Jonathan Jackson is rememberingTyler Christopher, his brother on and off-screen
Jackson, 41, played Christopher’s brother, Lucky Spencer, onGeneral Hospitalon and off between 1996 and 2015. Now, in the wake of the actor’sdeath at age 50, he’s paying his respects.
“My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of Tyler’s passing,” Jackson said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “He was a beautiful soul with so much compassion, love, humor and strength. I have so many memories both working together and journeying through different seasons of life together. I consider Tyler a brother as well as a friend. It never mattered how much time would pass between us talking, we were immediately present and back where we left off.”
He continued, “One of the last days working together we spent an entire afternoon re-writing our scenes because we wanted them to really mean something to us personally. Something very special happened and afterwards, Tyler had all of our notes placed in a huge frame as a gift for my departure. That was the kind of friend he was. He loved deeply and had a great passion for life.”
Matthew Eisman/Getty Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage
Jackson added of his friend’sstruggles with addiction, “Through all the trials Tyler continued to fight back against the darkness, and be a voice for mental health, compassion and goodness in the world. I’m truly at a loss for words.”
“Our love and prayers are with his family and children. He will always be with us,” the statement concluded.
Tyler Christopher (left) and Jonathan Jackson in ‘General Hospital’.Carol Kaelson/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Carol Kaelson/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Since Christopher’sGeneral Hospitalcostar Maurice Bernardbroke the newsof the actor’s death on Tuesday,tributes have been pouring in from across the soap opera world.
Camila Banus, who starred alongside him on NBC’sDays of Our Lives— which Christopher joined in 2017 and departed in 2019 — told PEOPLE of her former costar: “When you work with a true artist you feel it, I did with Tyler. He was truly a gifted and kind man. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Tyler Christopher.”
FellowDays of Our LivesalumArianne Zuckeralso shared a statement with PEOPLE in the wake of Christopher’s untimely death.
“He was always kindhearted and gracious to me. That’s how I will remember him,” she said.
“I remember all of us as a cast having lunch and hearing him talk about his kids and the love he had,” she said before recalling another sweet memory. “I also remember I was under the weather one day and got an IV on set. Hating needles, he stayed in the room as moral support. He was a thoughtful person.”
Tyler Christopher (left) and Jonathan Jason in ‘General Hospital’.Ron Tom/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Ron Tom/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Steve Burton, who starred alongside Christopher for many seasons ofGeneral Hospital, described him as a “brother” as he paid tribute onInstagram.
“This hits hard. Really hard. Sometimes I use the word ‘brother’ loosely. But when I called Tyler my brother, I meant it . . . there’s a group of us . . . that have done and still would do anything for each other,” Burton, 53, wrote on Instagram as he shared a collection of photos with Christopher from over the years. “We lost one. A beautiful and talented soul at that. It hurts. Thank you for the memories brother Ty. Love you. See you in Heaven. 🙏🏻🕊️.”
Tyler Christopher at the NBCUniversal Winter Press Tour in 2018.Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage
Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage
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“Working with you for so many years was a pleasure and a blessing. You were so talented, quick-witted and never too serious,” Bechtel wrote, adding that he’s thinking ofChristopher’s two children, Greysun and Boheme, who the actor shared with ex-wife Brienne Pedigo. “My heart is with Greysun, Bo and all of the people who loved you. Rest In Eternal Peace. 🤍🕊️.”
source: people.com
