Connect with us

News

118

One Life to Live Icon Erika Slezak Makes Statement On The Tragic Death Of Nathaniel Marston

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

Leave it to the incomparable six-time Daytime Emmy winning actress, Erika Slezak to put out a heartfelt and meaningful statement on the passing of her former One Life to Live co-star, Nathaniel Marston.

Erika, who played the lead role of Victoria Lord Buchanan on the iconic ABC soap opera and Prospect Park’s online revival, took to her website to offer up her thoughts on the tragic death of Marston, who played Al Holden and Michael McBain during his tenures with the cast in Llanview.  The 40-year-old actor succumbed to his numerous injuries and complication sustained from a car accident on Wednesday.

Erika said in her statement of Nathaniel, the following words:  “I am so very saddened by the death of Nathaniel Marston. He was a complicated, but really lovely man, and very talented actor, who lived with a lot of demons in his life. But he fought back and was winning – getting on as best as he could.  I always liked him and respected him for his determination and his talent.  I cannot imagine the pain he was in after his accident and I think God must have spared him that pain by taking him home. Hopefully we will all pray for him and for his mother.  This is a real tragedy.”

Share your thoughts on what Erika expressed on the death of Nathaniel in the comment section below!

Leave a comment | 118 Comments

118 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Rest in Peace Nathaniel! He was a great actor and I especially appreciated his role as Al Holden. My prayers are with your mother and family in their time of grief.

Always a class act…wish she was on Days!

Her statement was anything but classy. It offended me and I don’t even know Mr Marston . I have buried family members and no one, absolutely no one, made any kind of a remark about past demons. I think she should apologize and I hope she reads this.

Now that i reread this without any interuption i see there is some things she shouldve not said!…

I was taken back also when I read that ….it was not necessary

cut myself off too soon.,,,but it still is well known he had some problems and she did go on to say he was winning-not too bad and not that offensive…ive heard stuff spoken like that before about troubled celebs who passed away…i understand how some might not like it!

If you had read about him in the past his issues were widely reported, not just in the soap press but by NYC newspapers (possibly others but I live in the NY area and saw the stories in those ). I feel that Ms. Slezak was acknowledging his past battles and praising him for his courage and determination in fighting them while acknowledging is talent. She did it in a sincere and non-inflamatory way, unlike how I am sure some media outlets will do.

Agree!

Get off ur high horse, missy, she stated what everyone in the soap world knew, Nathaniel had problems and dealt with them. Its a statement to his strength that he fought to overcome them. She was paying tribute to a castmast. I dont know what the heck u think u are doing. Lay off Erica!

Erika’s reference to Nathaniel’s personal demons was not insensitive or a violation of any confidence. He prior personal issues, and the resulting legal problems, were public knowledge, and known to anyone who even casually followed his career. Both had a significant effect on both his life and his career. To ignore them would not be realistic. To mention them in a respectful and loving way is realistic and sensitive, and exactly Erika Slezak’s style.

I agree Rapids. That’s how it hit me too. Regardless of what’s been written elsewhere about the ups abd downs of his life, it wasn’t necessary to mention it in a heartfelt statement about his passing. Save that for an editorial piece or a bio.

I do believe Mz. Slezak’s intentions were good-sincere…but that added info hit me the wrong way.

extremely rude statement I agree

You obviously did not know Nathaniel as we did.
It is normal, I believe, to pay tribute to the accomplishments of a person in their passing.
Those who knew Nathaniel, even in passing, know that Nathaniel faced enormous “demons” and his fight was amongst his greater accomplishments. I do not believe he would have begrudged Erica’s words one bit.
Nathaniel was, “a complicated, but really lovely man, and very talented actor, who lived with a lot of demons in his life. But he fought back and was winning” and that he lost in this manner is tragic.
His demons are not uncommon in the arts and if you choose to see him through his press agents projection and not through the clarity of reality, then THAT would be yet another tragedy.

I think perhaps she was speaking on a personal level, since she did work with him and must have known him. I think that she was trying to say that he was an inspiration for overcoming those demons. And, I think that it was public knowledge that he had some problems. Nonetheless, at least she recognized the sad loss.

It was classy and she said nothing that offended me. Thank you, Erica, for a wonderful tribute to Nathaniel. I sure miss you on the soaps.

She didnt say anything bad about him

Amen! Loving Days and ES would be a most welcome addition

No, some you are completely misunderstanding Erika’s statement.
She is saying that he has battled demons and was triumphant in that battle–he was “winning.” Her words!
Erika was asserting the fact that her friend Nathaniel fought those demons with courage and fortitude. There was nothing wrong with her statement at all.
Shakespeare writes in “The Rape of Lucrece” that “honor and beauty in the the owner’s arms are weakly fortress’d in a world of harms.”
From what I know of Nathaniel and from what I gleaned from Erika’s statement about him, Nathanial navigated his course through this “world of harms” with strength and courage.
Erika’s statement was lovely, gracious and wise–just like she is.

Thank you Forbes–I agree completely.
Her words were NOT rude or insensitive as some here have erroneously maintained.

Loved you on OLTL, Forbes. I understand your take but when some people read something and have a similar gut reaction,, then there’s something to it.

I don’t think anyone who was a fan of Nathaniel was unfamiliar with his struggles. And, yes, I agree that overcoming any challenge in life is to be celebrated. Perhaps I would have read that statement differently if it had come from his mom…as said…it just hit me when I read it.

What I think we can all agree upon is our admiration for Erika Slezak…and those of us who were OLTL fans miss her on our screen. She’s quite respected by soap fans.

More importantly, we all mourn and grieve over the passing of None athaniel….

Auto spell strikes again…None should read…Nathaniel.

Thank you, Forbes for adding your very personal insight, with which I wholeheartedly agree. I think Ms. Slezak’s statement was most appropriate.

As a longtime fan of Nathaniel’s who followed his career, I’m sure that despite their tremendous loss, his family takes comfort in knowing he was winning the fight and it had no bearing in this tragedy.

Too many deal with life altering personal issues. To go unacknowledged does a great disservice to the fight to overcome such demons.

Light and love to Nathaniel’s family, friends and colleagues. The outpouring of grief is testimony that despite his hardships, he was an exceptional person who was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Hmm…She should have left out a lot. The public did not need to know his personal problems

The public KNEW about his problems, where do u live that you do not?

They already know about them.

exactly

His personal problems were public. She was basically affirming what a good man and actor he was despite his issues. What problems he had did not diminish his talent and accomplishments. It’s OK to acknowledge that people are complicated and sometimes make mistakes, and that we will miss the whole person — demons and all. RIP Nathaniel. I always enjoyed your performances on OLTL. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your fans, friends and family.

I like that she’s honest how she viewed him, it is obvious that he had demons but that wasn’t everything he was. Like she said he was complicated but he was a product of his upbringing. And yes he was fighting and surviving. Life is about surviving, loving and learning lessons. Well put Erika Slezak!

I agree she knew him and liked him

Why didn’t she just express sorrow, it sounds like she threw this guy under the bus for something that happened in the past. I would be furious if someone posted this kind of note about my family member. Sometimes I think these has been soap divas are too full of themselves. Respect the newly dead, please.

why can’t someone express sympathy and leave out the fact about his problems. everyone has problems. I am so sorry for his passing. God be with his
family.

His mother loved him more than anyone on earth and yet she referred to his past problems.

Eileen, for once I am totally on your page.

Very well said Erika Slezak.

Now on the acting side maybe someone @ ABC can bring this talented actress to GH.

Screw ABC!

Never back to ABC. They didn’t appreciate the show nor the talent … so as you say “Screw ABC.” NBC – write Ms. Slezak into Days of our Lives – some character can have a “lost” relative to be found.

I miss this woman in daytime!!

I certainly agree with that, she is a great actress and I miss seeing her. My hopes of AMC or OLTL ever seeing the light of day remain dim, and I only watch DAYS OF OUR LIVES – Wish she would land a role on that, although she is more of a New York based actress.
I will say though that if she joined General Hospital as Vicki I would watch it just to see her.
I did not think any of her comments were inappropriate, she’s always a class act.

A class act as always ….beautiful tribute.

Completely in agreement.

I was really praying for a miracle when I heard about the tragic accident. There is no greater loss than the loss of a child. Praying for Nate, his family & friends. Loved him on OLTL!!

Rip Nathan Madison my the Lord blessed you always.

Try Marston instead of Madison

Beautiful tribute! I miss the talent of Erika and OLTL. There will never be anything else like it. What wonderful memories.

I agree JJ. One Life To Live was the greatest show on American television, and the last 2-3 years were particularly great. It was like watching a new great play every day, and you are right, there will never ever again be anything like it. Those fools at ABC that cancelled it have to live with their horrible decision for the rest of their lives.

Nathaniel will be missed by the fans and cast members of one life to live . He was one of a kind and exciting to see . May you rest in peace now ..

How did she throw him under the bus, she said nothing that was not said worse by other news outlets. She said it in a respectful way, in my opinion. I had already read two weeks ago about what those demons were.

If we watched and followed OLTL then we knew what demons Nate deals with and she was respectful but honest and many have known for years, the trouble he has endured and maybe not the success that he had in overcoming. May he RIP! prayers for his family’s comfort in this trying time.

And those “demons” were also well publicized multiple times through the years as various incidents were happening, both during his time on both soaps and afterward. She is not revealing anything that’s not pretty well known.

Had she not mentioned them, she could not also have mentioned that he was dealing with them, apparently with some degree of success–which had NOT been publicized, and which I was actually grateful to know.

Like Carol S, I don’t find it disrespectful. She didn’t dwell on the problems, she merely mentioned them and then went on to the positive part. If anything, her words help mitigate any of the negative connotations associated with what had already been widely reported.

Great words from a great lady. My sympathies to Nathaniel’s family, his many friends, his fans, and his co-workers.

RIP! You are missed

Wonderful and heartfelt tribute from Erika Slezak. She didn’t throw him under the bus-everyone knew about the problems he had it the past.

Not the time to mentions/highlight a person’s shortcomings, problems, a person’s daemons, as last words about the deceased..
No person should be sent off with negativity of his life.

How about try that for people who are alive? You have no,qualms about continually bashing Sharon Case, Genie Francis, Jean Passanante, Shelly Altman, etc.

Exactly we knew about this for years she said in classy way and she still said he was lovely man

I wasn’t a fan of his, but his troubled past was public knowledge to his fans that followed his career over the years.

Nathianal’s past demons are public knowledge , she said nothing wrong. Erika did not go into detail just simply stated what she knew from working with him for years.

Wonder why there’s been no mention of his wife and son ? He and his wife could have divorced but he would still have a son. In all the press there’s been no mention. Bizarre.

RIP Nathaniel

It was such a shock to read today of this young actors passing.One Life To Live,was one of my favorite soaps.I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around his Mom,Dad and his other family members! God will give you the strength and encouragement to go on.God Bless All Of You!!!

It’s is really sad what has happened to Nate Marston. I pray for him, his mom and family. Really miss OLTL and Erica and all the rest of the cast
It really was a very well written and entertaining show. I wish ABC would realize their mistake and put this show back on the air. Rest in peace. Nate.

Very nice tribute. I sure miss Erika & OLTL – it was my favorite soap.

I really don’t think it was a secret he battled demons. I’m sure she was referring to his alcohol and drug use. I doubt she meant aNY disrespect.

I was so sorry to learn of The Death of Nathaniel Marston Wednesday Night ! My Prayers go out to His Mother Elizabeth Jackson during these sad Hours !

I watched OLTL for 16 years and I always had nothing for respect for this woman but now i realize she was just a great actress. A grown old woman should know better and maybe she should have someone write these things for her. She should be ashamed of herself!

I really, honestly did not feel she said anything inappropriate. She acknowledged that he had some problems but that she liked him and respected him.

Erika spoke from her heart. No sugar coating is necessary.

It was publicized about this problems, previously. I think when someone dies, it is unnecessary to mention those things. She should have left out any negativity. Saying he was a lovely man, she respected his determination and talent, etc. would have been sufficient. Those who knew him or read previously could interpret the determination part. She’s not writing a biography so that stuff was unnecessary. That said, I agree I wish she was back on our home screens- or movies for that matter.

Everybody doesnt live by your rules.Thank goodness.

The truth only hurts people who can’t handle it.

RIP Nate loved you as AL and Michael

Leave it to Erika Selzak to say something so spot on perfect. My heart is sad over the passing of Nathaniel at such a young age. My prayers and love go out to everyone who Nathaniel heart touched. He was a gifted actor, who was an amazingly funny, quirky, and sweet. He will be missed!

Thank you Erika. Nathaniel brought a layer to OLTL that will never be forgotten. His Al and Kathy Brier’s Marcie go down in history as a beautiful love story. Nathaniel died way too young. He will always be in my heart.

I think Mr Marston would have appreciated everything that she had to say. I’m saying prayers for his family.

Beautifully said and classy, Erika. Let us all continue with the prayers. God is listening.

RIP Nathaniel. You’ll be greatly missed. You were a favorite on OLTL soap. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends at this time of sorrow. God Bless your family.

Leave it to Erika to say it best and to be as classy and lovely as she always is.

People have trouble in their personal lives, all of us do. Difference is, we end up hearing about it when it’s someone in the public eye. It doesn’t detract one tiny bit from the pleasure he gave us for so long, and IMO it only increased my respect for him battling those demons.
And now this. Such a terrible shame for such a young man. He will be missed.

Erika Slezak, as always, is a gracious lady. She acknowledged Nathaniel’s demons, which everyone knew about, while paying tribute to his talent and personal determination. Her comments are very heartfelt, tasteful and respectful. God bless Nathaniel and all his family and friends.

Oh, how I miss Victoria Lord Gordon, Riley, Burke, Riley, Buchanan, Buchanan, Carpenter, Davidson, Banks and everyone from my beloved One Life to Live!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want my show back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Perfectly written post. it’s exactly what I wanted to say but why repeat it?
rip young man! thank you to the great Ms. Slezak for tembeting him.

I mean it is almost 4 years since the last network airing and I still miss it at 2pm. y mothe now dead 8 years used to say 2pm was the best hour of her day becode she watched OLTL since its inception. !
a housewife of a WWII vet. had 5 children and was last of the REAL housewived who kept daytime drama alive. as they pass j suppose so does the genre. A TRAGIC LOSS ON BOTH COUNTS.

Beautiful tribute Erica.

If you are a long time OLTL fan as I am, you are well aware of Nathaniel Marston’s complicated life, and his troubles on OLTL. I think Erika expressed what many of us were feeling. He had a short, troubled life and it is very sad that he died so young. Love Erika and One Life to Live. Best soap ever!

I was devastated to hear of Nathaniel’s passing – had been praying for him and his family since I’d heard of his accident!!!! He was a great actor and one of my favorites on ‘OLTL’!!!! Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!!!! RIP Nathaniel and may you always walk in beauty!!!!

I was truly shocked to hear about Nathaniel, Erica’s comments were so fitting. She always had class and compassion. He will be missed but not forgotten. He was a good actor and I loved his character. RIP Nathaniel. You are home now in the loving arms of the Lord.

No need to say anything about past demons, etc. Just that you will miss the talented actor. I am extremely disappointed in your statement. Watching you for my entire life and knowing the person you are, I expected more, especially as a mother. His mother needs that from you.

It saddens me this happen to a fine young man it is tragic his family has to deal with!! I don’t care what for problems he had he was still a great actor and respectable young man! Rip Nathaniel!! Prayers to his family!!

Very heartfelt and classy message. I expect no less from this lady. Rest in peace Nathaniel.

Watched OLTL most of my life (for over 30 years), every weekday, for an hour. The storyline of morphing Al Holden’s spirit into a new character Michael McBain was honestly not one of my favorites. When I read about his accident, I was really routing for Nate to be ok. I’ve known 2 people who have fallen asleep while driving; it can happen in a split second. My deepest sympathies to his mother and family, as well as the cast who worked with him. It was a shock to read his mother’s statement that he died (there is a GoFundMe campaign for her), it is so very sad. The honesty and eloquence of Ms. Slezak’s statement is one of respect. This fan is grateful to read her thoughts and also to see some of the other casts photos of Nate. It was like having a second family. May he RIP.

Erica you said the truth,may he finally rest now he did have a lot of problems,know so with family experience,drugs and alcohol this is a sickness,that people don’t understand. take care erica miss you guys hope you come back onl

She should have left it at she was sorry for his loss. Whatever problems he has in the past or before accident matters no more. May he rest in peace and somehow his family find peace.

Sorry but I feel she just should have expressed sympathy NOT his demons!!! I would have been very hurt and upset if someone said what she said about my loved one. Everyone knew Nathaniel had issues, and I feel there was no reason to mention it now that hes passed away. Expression of sympathy should be just that, nothing more. Rest in Peace Nathaniel!!

I’m not from NY and know nothing of the “demons” of which you speak? Why does no onr mention his wife in their condolances, only his mother?

I am surprised that some take offense at the mention of Nathaniel’s struggles. Just recently a friend of mine lost her son to an overdose. She and her husband made open acknowledgement of his struggles, his victories, and, ultimately, his destruction by his addiction in his obituary. Why anyone would take offense at a respectful, loving tribute to a person’s life is beyond me.

I think some of you don’t have a clue what you are talking about. Erica Slezak is one of the classiest ladies I have ever met and yes I met her twice !!!!! She spoke from the heart and was very sincere and meaningful… If you listen to all the news there words were ten times worse look them up… If you would continue your search you would find that when Nathaniel’s demons got real bad he actually went to Erica for help so I would say she knows a little about all this.. There is nothing wrong with speaking from the heart about what you know… So stop running your mouths until you know all…

Erika Slezak is one classy lady and her comments were classy, as well. It’s common knowledge that Nathaniel had issues/demons. I think Ms. Slezak’s statement was respectful and touching. As Forbes March stated above, most of us fans did not know Nathaniel personally – but Forbes did as did Ms. Slezak. RIP Nate.

Breaking News

REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital

For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.

According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).

Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.

Photo: ABC

After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared,  “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”

In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.

Photo: ABC

TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.

Photo: ABC

The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.

No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.

So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.

 

Continue Reading

Days Of Our Lives

DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’

Look who’s joining Justin Hartley’s hit freshman drama, Tracker! None other than another soap alum, former Days of our Lives and Supernatural favorite Jensen Ackles.

In a reveal via Hartley’s Instagram on Thursday, Ackles is set to play Hartley’s on-screen brother on the CBS procedural drama. In Tracker, Colter Shaw is estranged from his brother, Russell, which has been a big part of the mystery of season one.

Ackles is best known for his long run as Dean Winchester in The CW’s Supernatural, a role he reprised in the prequel of the series The Winchesters. He also recently starred in ABC’s Big Sky as Sheriff Beau Arlen and in The Boys as Soldier Boy.

Photo: CBS

Jensen was the original Eric Brady on Days of our Lives, a role he played from 1997-2000, before departing for the world of primetime and film.  Eric was in love with Nicole played by Arianne Zucker. The part of Eric was recast with Greg Vaughan taking over the role in 2012.

Photo: JPI

In his Instagram post, Justin thanked everyone for watching Tracker, and then revealed Ackles as the surprise casting announcement in the role of Russell, while Jensen was playing pinball in the video! No word yet on when Jensen’s first episode as Russell will air. Stay tuned.

Check out Justin’s casting post featuring Jensen Ackles below.  So, what do you think of Justin and Jensen playing brothers on Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Justin Hartley (@justinhartley)

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”

With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.

Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?

As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.

Photo: Fox

Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”

Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”

Photo: Fox

The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.

As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”

So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Eileen Davidson as Ashley

The Young and the Restless

Airdate: 4-12-2024

Popular