RIP Lee Thompson Young

[Dr Dave]

Former 'Jett Jackson' Disney star Lee Thompson Young dead at 29

Former Disney Channel star Lee Thompson Young was found dead Monday morning amid reports that he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sheree Cohen, who served as Young's talent agent for many years, confirmed the 29-year-old star's death. A law enforcement source told The Times that his death appeared to be a suicide.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," said Young’s manager, Jonathan Baruch, in a statement issued to the website Deadline. “Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed. We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

PHOTOS: Notable deaths of 2013

Young, a South Carolina native, developed an affinity for acting at age 10 and two years later had secured representation. He rose to fame in 1998 when he starred in the Disney Channel show "The Famous Jett Jackson." On the program, which ran for three years, the actor played a teenage celebrity trying to live a normal life as a high school student.

The actor went on to attend USC, where he was a recognizable presence on campus, often dressing in all-white ensembles. He attended the School of Cinematic Arts on a full academic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude in 2005.

PHOTOS: Celebrities who died young

Following graduation, he booked guest-starring roles on various television programs. His next big break came in 2010, when he was cast on TNT's popular police drama "Rizzoli & Isles." As Det. Barry Frost, Young played the affable partner to Jane Rizzoli, played by Angie Harmon.

According to TMZ, Young's Los Angeles landlord found his body after receiving a call from TNT staff after he failed to show up on set. "Rizzoli & Isles" is in production on its fourth season and had just been renewed for a fifth.

The Disney Channel could not be reached for comment. TNT said it would issue a statement shortly.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainmen...n-young-jett-jackson-20130819,0,7525713.story

Well that sucks.

 

[headvoid]

Wonderful and gentle souls shouldn't be given firearms. They seem to use them on themselves.

In fact rabid, aggressive bastards shouldn't be given firearms either. They seem to use them on others.

 

[CaptainWacky]

I don't like bumping death threads to say "never heard of him" but I don't like replying to everything and pushing threads down the board either.

 

[Filthy Whore]

I wasn't familiar with him either but I was saddened to read about this... so young with a successful career in front of him.

 

[Tisiphone]

He's on Rizzoli & Isles, a show I love. Really sad.

 

[Filthy Whore]

Speaking of premature deaths, I was late to the Spartacus party and I kept crying at random moments during the first season knowing that Andy Whitfield had died of cancer at 39.

 

[CaptainWacky]

Now that I look him up, I actually did know who this guy was. He was in Flashforward and his character killed himself (yeah that's kind of how I remembered) and it was one of the better scenes in that awful show.

 

[whisky]

Ironically then that turned out to be a very accurate flash forward.

 

[Cassie]

Oh crap. I just looked him up too.