Cast member Lee Thompson Young poses for photographers at the premire of the film, 'Friday Night Lights', at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, October 6, 2004. The Universal film about the 1988 season of the Permian High Panthers football team of Odessa, Texas, opens in the US on October 8. (UPI Photo/Francis Specker) |
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Young's publicist confirmed the actor's death in a statement.
"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."
Young rose to fame as a child actor when he starred in Disney's "The Famous Jett Jackson." He went to on appear in the 2004 movie "Friday Night Lights" and was currently a regular in TNT's show "Rizzoli & Isles."
TNT, Warner Bros. and "Rizzoli & Isles" executive producer Janet Tamaro released this statement regarding Young's death:
"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," the statement went on to say. "He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and off-screen, 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."