By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
It’s always been said that former child actors have it harder than anyone else in the business. Oftentimes when a child star grows up in the business and then decides to stay in Hollywood to make a living, it’s hard to convince other people they are just as cute and talented as they were when they were kids. As a result, it’s not uncommon for them to struggle with the industry and walk away completely, while some former child stars like Lindsay Lohan opt to stay in the limelight causing their ongoing struggle with fame to become a very public battle. We also saw a few months ago that these struggles aren’t just limited to former child actors. Even former child music artists can find themselves struggling, as Chris Kelly from former kid rap group Kris Kross knew too well. We’re sad to report that yet another former child star has fallen and we’re even sadder to hear that his death was most likely caused by his own hands.
According to TMZ, actor Lee Thompson Young was found dead in his home in Los Angeles this morning. The website says the actor’s landlord discovered his body, and his death was caused by what appears to look like a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As a result of what appears to look self-inflicted, officials are telling the press they believe Young died of a suicide.
If you grew up watching Disney like we did, then you probably remember Lee Thompson Young from the hit show “The Famous Jett Jackson.” He played Jett Jackson, the star on the show. He also had a major role in the film “Friday Night Lights,” and played the older brother in “Akeelah and the Bee.” Most recently, he nabbed a role on TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles.” Young was only 29 years old.
Many are shocked by Young’s death considering unlike most former child actors, he was able to find steady work in the business and he was incredibly private, never making any headlines typical for former child actors. We’ve never heard about him struggling on drugs or getting into any legal troubles. He also graduated with honors from the University of Southern California.
Details on what may have led him to allegedly take his own life are scarce for now and the cause of death has not been made official since an autopsy hasn’t been performed as of yet.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones of Lee Thompson Young.
I had the biggest crush on him! So sad!
Me 2!!! Ugghhh I’ve been devastated ALL DAY!
Me too.
Aww man. Really? He was still getting so many roles. I hate this. RIP!
I had to see his face before it hit me where I remember him from. I’m sad to read this.
This is so sad. I used to love that show when I was kid. Prayers for him and his fam.
NOOO!!!!! I used to be in love with him when I was young!
I don’t remember his work. But RIP to him nonetheless. I know his family is hurting.
He was such a handsome man. R.I.P.
I remember watching his show when I was a kid. Crazy.
You just never know what a person is going through. My prayers are with his family.
You just never know what a person is going through. <<< Ain't that the truth.
I know!
Are you serious? OMG!
Suicide? Damn. I hate that.
I feel really bad for him and his family. Sometimes we have no idea what our loved ones are really feeling. I know they are thinking about what they wish they could have done or said to change things. R.I.P.
Rest in peace!
WOW. Prayers up.
This is so sad. I was just saying how happy I was to see he was still acting. Smh.
Damn.
Suicide is NEVER the way. God is all we need! RIP to this man!
Oh no I loved him on Rizzoli & Isles. Rest in Peace prayers to his family.
I had the BIGGEST crush on him.
Damn it man. He was such a great actor. Low key talent for real. He will be missed.
RIP!
WHAT?!
Looks like depression got another one way too soon.
Very sad. I’ve seen a few episodes with my younger brother. Gone at a very young age. Condolences to his family.
I’m so blown!
Why are so many young people killing themselves? My heart aches for his family.
I was in pure shock this morning. No one would have ever known because he hid it too well behind that beautiful smile. My heart aches for his family, especially his mom, being that he was her only child. I had the biggest crush on him and felt like I grew up with him following all of his major career moves til this day. He will definitely be missed by all of his die-hard fans. RIP Lee, you’ll never be forgotten.
Really sad. God rest his soul.