Jeffrey Carlson, who played Marilyn in the Boy George musical Taboo,
will join the cast of ABC-TV's "All My Children" playing a character
coming to terms with her transgender identity.

The storyline marks the first time a daytime serial has chronicled the coming-out saga of a transgendered character.



Carlson will play the biologically born Zarf, who, according to press
notes, "becomes a larger than life rock star persona, hiding her true
need to become female. This is the story of that journey, touching the
lives of many characters in Pine Valley. Zarf initially connects with
and shares her struggles with Bianca (Eden Riegel), whose own life
experiences in coming out as a lesbian, leads to her own education,
acceptance and compassion. Later, Zarf begins to develop additional
relationships within the community, especially with Babe Chandler
(Alexa Havins)."



Carlson will make his "All My Children" debut Nov. 30. The hour-long
drama airs in the metropolitan area on WABC-TV Channel 7, from 1-2 PM
ET; check local listings.



About the upcoming storyline "All My Children" executive producer Julie
Hanan Carruthers said in a statement, "'All My Children' has a long
standing commitment to telling socially relevant stories that entertain
and inform. Viewers can expect a heartfelt story between two people who
share a common ground, yet learn about inherent differences and
understanding. At its core, this is a story of acceptance and love."



Damon Romine, entertainment media director of the Gay & Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), added, "Telling the story of a
character's transition from male to female is groundbreaking
television. 'All My Children' has a track record of telling honest and
important storylines, and we applaud them for their commitment to
telling Zarf's story with compassion and integrity."



Jeffrey Carlson's Broadway credits include Taboo, Tartuffe and The Goat
or Who Is Sylvia? He was seen at the McCarter Theatre in the title role
of Emily Mann's production of Romeo and Juliet and in their recent
mounting of Candida; his other theatrical credits include Bach at
Leipzig, Lorenzaccio, The Miracle Worker, Thief River, Manuscript and
Sodom and Gomorrah.



For more information visit www.abc.com

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/103785.html