Lee Thompson Young, the actor who rose to notoriety from his role on Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson,” was found dead in his apartment Monday morning from apparent suicide, his manager confirmed to TMZ.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning,” said longtime manager Jonathan Baruch. “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 difficult time.”
Young currently starred in the TNT show “Rizzoli & Isles.” He reportedly did not show up on the set this morning, which prompted staffers to contact his landlord to check up on the actor. The landlord allegedly opened the door to Young’s LA apartment and found his dead body with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman, officers arrived at Young’s apartment after 8 a.m. Monday morning and found him dead.
Production has been shut down for “Rizzoli & Isles” following the news of Young’s death. No word on when filming will resume.
“Rizzoli & Isles” Executive Producer Janet Tamaro said the cast and crew were “devastated by the news.”
“We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man,” Tamaro said. “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.”
Lee Thompson Young was born in Canada and grew up in South Carolina. Young was a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts on a full academic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude in 2005. He appeared in several guest roles on television such as UPN’s South Beach, FlashForward, Scrubs and Smallville. Young eventually landed a role in the 2004 movie Friday Night Lights, Akeelah and the Bee and The Hills Have Eyes II. His next big break came in 2010, when he was cast on Rizzoli & Isles as Det. Barry Frost, the affable partner of Jane Rizzoli, played by Angie Harmon.
