Former Disney Channel actor commits suicide
Lee Thompson Young, who began his acting career as the teenage star of the Disney Channel’s The Famous Jett Jackson and was featured in the film Friday Night Lights and the series Rizzoli & Isles, was found dead Monday, police said. He was 29.
Young’s manager, Paul Baruch, said the actor “tragically took his own life.”
“Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed,” Baruch said in a statement.
Young’s body was found at his North Hollywood home by police Monday morning after he failed to show up for work on crime drama Rizzoli & Isles, police Officer Sally Madera said.
In the TNT series, Young played fledgling police Detective Barry Frost. Earlier Monday, the channel announced it was renewing the series that stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander.
“We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. . . . Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both onand off-screen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace,” TNT, Warner Bros. and series producer Janet Tamaro said in a joint statement.