Tyler Christopher’s GH Brother Jonathan Jackson Shares the Thoughtful Gift That Also Made Him a Friend (Exclusive)

Jonathan Jackson remembers Tyler Christopher, his brother on and off screen

Jackson, 41, played Christopher’s brother Lucky Spencer General Hospital between 1996 and 2015. Now, after the actor’s death at the age of 50, he is paying tribute.

“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 of working together and traveling together through different periods of life. I consider Tyler both a brother and a friend. It didn’t matter how much time passed between our conversations, we were immediately present and picked up where we left off.”

He continued: “One of the last days we worked together we spent an entire afternoon remaking our scenes because we wanted them to really mean something to us personally. Something very special happened and afterwards Tyler put all of our notes in a giant frame as a going away gift. That’s the kind of friend he was. He loved deeply and had a great passion for life.”

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Jackson added of his friend’s battle with addiction: “Through all the trials, Tyler has continued to fight the darkness and be a voice for mental health, compassion and kindness in the world. I am truly at a loss for words.”

“Our love and prayers are with his family and children. He will always be with us”, the statement concludes.

Tyler Christopher (left) and Jonathan Jackson on ‘General Hospital’.

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From Christopher General Hospital costar Maurice Bernard broke the news of the actor’s death on Tuesday, tributes poured in from across the soap opera world.

Camila Banus, who starred alongside him on NBC Days of our lives — who Christopher joined in 2017 and left in 2019 — told PEOPLE of her former co-star, “When you work with a real artist, you feel it, and I did with Tyler. He was a truly gifted and kind man. We will miss him very much. Rest in peace Tyler Christopher.”

Colleague Days of our lives alum Arianne Zucker also shared a statement with PEOPLE following Christopher’s untimely death.

“He was always good-natured and kind to me. I will remember him like that,” she said.

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Passions star McKenzie Westmore — who starred with Christopher in several TV movies, including 2022. Super volcano — told PEOPLE that he was “always so focused on doing a great job” when they worked together.

“I remember all of us as actors having lunch and listening to him talk about his kids and the love he had,” she said before recalling another sweet memory. “I also remember being under the weather one day and getting an IV on set. Hating needles, he stayed in the room as moral support. He was a thoughtful person.”

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Tyler Christopher (left) and Jonathan Jason on ‘General Hospital’.

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Steve Burton, who starred alongside Christopher in many seasons General Hospitalhe described him as a “brother” as he paid tribute on Instagram.

“This hits hard. Really hard. Sometimes I use the word ‘brother’ lightly. But when I called Tyler my brother, I meant it. . . there is a group of us. . . who did and would still do anything for each other,” Burton, 53, wrote on Instagram as he shared a collection of photos with Christopher over the years. “We lost one. A beautiful and talented soul. It hurts. Thank you for the memories bro Ty. I love you. See you in heaven. 🙏🏻🕊️.”

Tyler Christopher at the 2018 NBCUniversal Winter Press Tour.

Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

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His TV son, Nicholas Bechtel, also remembered Christopher fondly, writing on Instagram that their “chemistry was second to none” and that they were “the greatest Father/Son duo on Daytime TV.”

“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 was referring to Christopher’s two children, Greysun and Boheme, whom the actor shared with ex-wife Brienne Pedigo. “My heart goes out to Greysun, Bo and all the people who loved you. Rest in eternal peace. 🤍🕊️.”

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Source: HIS Education