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

The actors portrayed brothers on the long-running soap opera for nine years

Jonathan Jackson is remembering Tyler Christopher, his brother on and off-screen

Jackson, 41, played Christopher’s brother, Lucky Spencer, on General Hospital on and off between 1996 and 2015. Now, in the wake of the actor’s death 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.”

Related: Tyler Christopher Vowed Weeks Before Dying to Make 'Serious Changes' to Become a Better Father (Exclusive)

Jackson added of his friend’s struggles 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.

Since Christopher’s General Hospital costar Maurice Bernard broke the news of 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’s Days 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."

Fellow Days of Our Lives alum Arianne Zucker also 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.

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2023

Passions star McKenzie Westmore — who costarred with Christopher in several TV movies, including 2022's 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 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.”

Related: Tyler Christopher Shared His Mantra While Discussing a 'New Chapter' in Final Interview: 'Don't Hold Back'

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

“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. 🙏🏻🕊️.”

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His TV son, Nicholas Bechtel, also remembered Christopher fondly, writing on Instagram that the pair’s “chemistry was unmatched” and 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’s thinking of Christopher’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. 🤍🕊️.”

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