The soap opera community has been mourning One Life to Live's Nathaniel Marston (ex-Michael McBain/Al Holden) following the star's death in a car accident that occurred in Nevada this November. His longtime costar Kathy Brier, who played his on-screen love interest, Marcy McBain, delivered the eulogy for Marston's burial in Hawaii. And after gentle urging from the star's mother, Elizabeth Jackson, Brier has shared her emotional sentiments with fans.
"It's one month today since Nathaniel left us. I'm still in shock," she wrote on her Facebook page. "His mom Elizabeth Jackson asked me to post my eulogy from his sea burial in Kauai because she thought you'd like to read it."
From there, Brier goes on to share the emotional speech she recited during her friend's goodbye ceremony, which you can read in its entirety below.
"From the first moment Nathaniel and I caught each others eyes on set there was an instant connection. I felt as though I had always known him somehow, a recollection of our souls," Brier writes. "We pretty much spoke in short hand from the very beginning and most times no words needed to be spoken. We would just look at each other and know.
"I was only supposed to be on OLTL for three episodes but the chemistry between Nathaniel and I was undeniable. The powers that be @ OLTL quickly took notice and I was soon put on contract shortly after. Before we knew it we were in the middle of one of the greatest love stories ever written for soap opera. The real secret to the magic of our story was that as Marcie & Al were falling in love so were Nathaniel and I. The love and respect between us naturally carried over onto the screen.
"There are so many things I could tell you @ Nathaniel but as always I'll focus on the things I love because after all love is all there is, right? If I had to pick the thing that I love the best @ Nathaniel it is his laugh. To be honest I don't know who has a better laugh Nathaniel or myself, both are unapologetic and joyful! When we would laugh together we must have sounded like two obnoxious hijenas to other people but that wouldn't stop us, nor would we care what others thought. The simple sound of his laugh would make my heart skip a beat. When I managed to make him unabashedly laugh, the top of his face would scrunch up near his nose and eyes, and his mouth would open so wide I'd swear I could see his heart from the bottom of his throat. He also had the most amazing smile and not just because of his dreamy dimples. When I made him smile from his heart he would get this twinkle in his eyes as he looked down at me. What a gift it is to have been entrusted with his heart.
"While we could talk, laugh and even sometimes cry about everything and anything my most cherished moments with him were spent in the safety & silence of each other's company. As actors we often have to 'be on' but by each other's side all that pressure was melted away and all we HAD to do was simply BE.
"Elizabeth recently told me that she thought she had never seen Nathaniel at peace. I'm not sure this is true but all you need to do to see Nathaniel at peace is watch us on film. The most at peace Nathaniel ever was with me, was at my side working on set. He was a genius on a laser beam. He was strong, fragile, sharp witted, intelligent, funny as hell, sexy as hell, vulnerable, a lost soul, a gentle giant and breathtakingly beautiful but not because of his looks. He could take my breath away with his capacity and understanding of the human struggle and his generosity of spirit. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He had one of, if not the biggest heart I've ever known. He would do anything for anyone. We cherished the gifts we were given and that we got to share them with each other and the world and we never took it for granted.
"I've heard it said its the little things that you take with you and I think whoever said it is right. I will take with me and hold steadfast to so many seemingly 'small' moments. One of the sweetest seemingly small things Nathaniel ever did was come watch me as I would sign autographs and take pictures @ the stage door @ night after performing in Hairspray on Broadway. I didn't know he did this for a long time until he told me one day. I asked why he didn't just come up to my dressing room. He shrugged his shoulders and with a humongous smile simply said no, I love watching you do your thing. It makes me happy to just see you and I know [you're] safe at the end of the night.
"Nathaniel was my best friend, my partner in crime, my rock, my soulmate, my playmate, my cheerleader, my confidant, and one of the greatest loves of my life.
"There are no sufficient words to express the pain of his loss that I know is felt by so many. Though I wish he were still here, I will walk with him in my heart and honor that our relationship was not for nothing, everyday for the rest of my days. I will be happy just to glimpse the sound of his voice and laughter as it now echoes in nature, to feel the brightness of his smile with that twinkle in his eye when he looked at me that still warms my heart and skin, and to know that I was truly, unconditionally and whole heartedly loved by an amazing man...not many people can say that and I don't know a better gift. I take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and safe at the end of an EPIC journey and I will be forever grateful that I got to go along for the ride."
Photo: JPI
What do you think about the sentiments Brier shared? What are some of your favorite memories about Marston? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.
To stay up-to-date on the latest soap news, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow @soapcentral on Twitter.