Actor Lee Thompson Young found dead
“The Famous Jett Jackson” actor, who appeared on TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles,” committed suicide.
Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young was found dead from a suicide.
The actor, who headlined “The Famous Jett Jackson” (1998-2001) and most recently appeared as Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles”, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on Monday morning. He was 29.
Lee Thompson Young.
Lee Thompson Young, an actor who played a child star on the Disney Channel show “The Famous Jett Jackson” and a detective on the hit TNT series “Rizzoli & Isles,” was found dead on Monday at his home in Los Angeles after he failed to show up for work. He was 29.
The cause was suicide, a statement from his manager said.
Mr. Young had appeared on “Rizzoli & Isles,” a police procedural set in Boston and based on novels by Tess Gerritsen, since it’s debut in 2010. He played Barry Frost, a computer-savvy homicide detective who can’t stand the sight of blood, who is the partner of Jane Rizzoli – played by Angie Harmon.
TNT announced on Monday that “Rizzoli & Isles” had been renewed for another season.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning” – said Young’s long-time manager Jonathan Baruch in a statement.
“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 as this very difficult time.”
Young began his acting career early, appearing in community theater as a child before heading toward the bright lights of New York City. There, he auditioned for and won the main role in Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson.” The show lasted for three seasons and a TV movie.
After the end of the series, Young appeared in Jamie Foxx’s “Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story” and in the “Friday Night Lights” movie as Chris Comer. He also landed guest roles in TV shows including: “The Guardian,” “South Beach,” and “Smallville.”
In 2009, Young starred in the short-lived sci-fi drama “FlashForward” as an FBI agent who commits suicide to prevent a death.
His latest work was in TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles” as Det. Barry Frost, Rizzoli’s (Angie Harmon) partner. The show halted production today as the cast and crew grieved over Young’s death and it’s unclear when filming will resume.
Young graduated with honors from the University of Southern California.