Lee Thompson Young, 29, was found dead this morning according to
TMZ. The actor made a name for himself when he played the title role in The Famous Jett Jackson. After that he starred as Chris Comer in the theatrical version of Friday Night Lights, Cyborg on Smallville and Al Gough on ABC’s FlashForward in 2009. Since then he has playing Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s huge hit Rizzoli & Isles. According to TMZ when he didn’t show up for work today, the show’s staff called his landlord to check up on him and that is how he was discovered.
His death is so sad because he had such a future ahead of him because he had been working non-stop since he started acting. I am a big fan of Rizzoli and Isles, and I think that they were really giving a lot to play with this season. No word yet how his death will effect the recently renwed Rizzoli & Isles, but then again it is still very early.
So today honor him and keep his spirit alive by watching him in one of many roles.
UPDATE: His publicist confirmed how he died to TMZ, “It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning … Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed.”
UPDATE 2: Here is the statement from Statement from TNT, Warner Bros. and Rizzoli & Isles Executive Producer Janet Tamaro: “Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young. We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother.”
