2ND UPDATE: Rizzoli & Isles will stay dark tomorrow as the producers continue to evaluate the situation.
UPDATE, 12:25 PM: Production on TNT’s hit drama Rizzoli & Isles has been shut down in light of the sudden passing of co-star Lee Thompson Young, whose body was discovered in his apartment after he failed to show up for work this morning. The producers of the series, in which Thompson played star Angie Harmon’s partner on the force, are currently evaluating whether to resume production tomorrow or go on hiatus while the cast and crew cope with Young’s death and writers figure out how to write off his character. Here is TNT, Rizzoli & Isles‘ studio Warner Bros TV and executive producer Janet Tamaro’s statement today on 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. 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.”
PREVIOUS 11:30 AM: Rizzoli & Isles co-star Lee Thompson Young has died in apparent suicide. He was 29. “It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning”, said Young’s long-time 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 as this very difficult time.” Young played Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s flagship drama Rizzoli & Isles, which was just renewed for a fifth season. He started his acting career early as the lead of Disney Channel’s first original series, The Famous Jett Jackson, executive produced/directed by Shawn Levy. “I am stunned and truly saddened by the news of Lee’s passing,” Levy said. “I met Lee when he was 13 years old. He came in and auditioned for the pilot of Disney Channel’s The Famous Jett Jackson. I can still vividly recall the dynamism and presence of this golden kid, who came in so full of talent and confidence and light. I spent several years working with Lee on our series, during which time we collaborated closely and began our careers. Lee was an amazing actor, an incredible, driven athlete, a voracious student, both in school and out, a loving and loyal son and a great and treasured friend to me and the many other people whose lives he entered. There’s no telling what great things he would have accomplished, onscreen and off, and it’s heartbreaking that now we will never know.” Disney Channel also weighed in on Young’s death. “Nothing any of us can say will adequately express our sadness over Lee’s untimely passing — our thoughts are with his loved ones and the many fans of his work,” a spokesperson said. The South Carolina-born Young also co-starred on UPN’s South Beach and recurred on FlashForward, Scrubs and Smallville. His feature credits include Friday Night Lights, Akeelah And The Bee and The Hills Have Eyes 2.
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RIP Jett Jackson
I hope they appreciate how good he was in contrast to the others on the show. He was a great part of the show and made me laugh when he went at it with the old dude.
RIP my friend.
to “hello” .. what a time to be critical! And then add you like when he “went at it with the “old dude”?? You are an idiot.
First of all you are an IDIOT, News like this saddens me deeply.
My sincere condolences to Mr Young’s family, cast and friends.
He will be sadly missed, I will miss his infectious smile…
Your all a Team. You worked by each others side that made you feel like you were all Family. Mr. Young wouldn’t want you to not take time for your selves to grieve. But Mr. Young does want you to remember the Good Times and take time to reflect on your own lives as well. It just means that we now need to be in touch with the people we Love and always let them know that there is “ALL WAYS A SHOULDER TO CRY OR LEAN ON” and “You wouldn’t stop Loving Them No Matter how big or small the problem or concern is!” Take the Time OFF. Have a Party and Remember the Good in every thing you all have accomplished together. Love you and your in our Prayers!! Jodi
That was so beautifully spoken. I pray much peace, tranquility, reflections of a mother’s heart, & God’s Sweet Grace upon his precious Mother. & all who loved him. I pray your heart’s be uplifted, to find peace & understanding. I know when something like this happens, there are several stages of grief. The first two you’ll be in another world of your own in your mind. Then you go through being mad at God & the world. Mad because you couldn’t do anything. You’ll feel helpless, & then you’ll realize, that your loved one’s love you so much, it hurts them to see you this way. My son just looked at me…like…what about me Mama? I am still here with you look. Then you just get one good cry out. Then the healing begins. It’s wonderful to do little things. Go to the burial site & plant your flowers, bench’s, lights…little figurines…I can say the pain of loosing your loved one. You just have to believe that where they are, is an amazing wonderful place. People who commit suicide..whatever the reason..are very hurt in their thoughts. Something that they can not get relief from. So they are literally in mental pain & torture. With God’s grace & forgiveness they are no longer in pain. God Bless
I’m so heartbroken for his family and his work frineds, that become family. He seemed like such a gentle soul. Peace be with him. Sure God has him wrapped in his arms. Family and friends are in my prayers.
I am very sadden by this news. I didn’t know this until today after watching the show on my DVR. I sat here and cried. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. If there wasn’t a note left his poor family will always be asking why. I hope he left something for them. God Bless to all
Kara Baltimore Maryland
Lee you join my 16 yr old nephew he too was a kind, gentle, loving young man who left us far too soon w/ questions just as your family
has that can only be answered when were re-united in heaven.
very sad. He’ll be missed. My condolences to his family
OMG. We watch Rizzoli & Isles every day. Re-runs to new. I want his Family to know that we are Deeply Sorry for Their Loss and may God Comfort them in healing. It will take a lot for this Family to come to realization of WHY??? We will truly miss Mr. Young. And for Fan’s like us it will take time because we Feel Their Hurt and wonder our selves “Could have anyone known what was going on with him that knew him not notice a change in Mr. Young to know or feel this was a Big Concern that could have been a voided?” I just can’t close my mouth of OH My God! My husbands in a area that doesn’t get cell phone right now but he’s going to fall back in his chair with disbelief. I’m So Sorry!! With Love and the Blessing of God… Jodi from Salem Oregon.
So sad he did not get help
This is terribly sad news. Although I never watched R&I, I really liked Lee Thompson Young on the series “FlashForward” as well as his shorter stint on “Smallville”.
Such a handsome young man with a lot of potential.
R.I.P.
What a tragedy. Goodbye, Lee. Hope you are in peace.
I clicked on the link expecting to learn that some old person had died that I had never heard of. Instead, I discovered that a young person, whom I also had never heard of prior, seems to have died too early.
If he were older, at least I could at least take his advanced years to mean that that he at least had lived a bit.
As such things go, he looks too young to have lived at all, which is a tragedy.
Well said sir.
Very well said. I am so saddened by this news. I watch R&I every week and will miss his onscreen presence very much, but will know that he is there even if we don’t see him. Be at peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
How will he be there if we cant see him? Its a sad day for all. So shocked and saddening that this happened. I cant imagine how they will continue the show.
I agree totally with your comment. I just don’t understand why so many young people think that suicide is the answer. So very sorry for his family especially his mom. I just can’t imagine her sorrow. And for his R&I family who loved him so much. Seems he had a lot of support and people who truly loved him…why did he do this?? That question will never be answered, sadly. I just hope that he has found his peace now. So very sad.
my heart is touched with sadness over the lost of this talented soul. I always watched his latest show and enjoyed his talent.
I feel I’ve lost a family member. Rest in peace.
My sincere condelences and sympathy to his family, friends and co-workers. My prayers to all of you at this most tragic time.
Tragic…
Too young. Very Sad.
Condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
This is so sad. My condolences to his family and friends.
I also clicked on the link expecting to not know who it was… I just didn’t know his name, I’m sorry to say. I do watch R&I occasionally, and I also remember him from Smallville. So sorry to hear this.
So sad. I cast him in a pilot a few years ago. Brilliantly talented and such a lovely person. All I keep thinking is why with his whole life and a continued great career, but you never know what goes on behind the curtain.
Rip Lee!!
Poor man – rest in peace – I feel sorry for his family.
this is so tragic. the world thinks this business is so easy and full of happiness but it can be tough. my prayers go out to his family. If you know someone that speaks of any sadness talk to them.
People should know ‘this business’ is not the only business not easy and full of happiness. Especially ‘actors’. There are many, many young people who’d give up their jobs to be in the ‘biz’, who deal with the cards they’re handed by not doing drugs or ending their lives. This is tragic, however, let’s not forget those who were not, are not in the public eye either. BTW… it would be helpful if CDs and those who select actors, when they are rejected for roles, the truth as to ‘why they weren’t selected’ so they can better deal with rejection and improve themselves for their next audition. R.I.P. young man. You’re not alone.
Lee Thompson Young started his career as the lead of a successful Disney Channel series. I’m PRETTY sure that he, like most actors beyond the developmental point in their careers knows that NOBODY HAS TIME to tell you “why you weren’t selected” every time you don’t get a role. Furthermore, to speculate that he took his life for that reason is irresponsible, if not just stupid.
It’s obvious who’s speculating here… you. The message about why, actors weren’t selected, doesn’t refer to established actors like Lee. OMG. The message is ‘deal with it, no matter your job’, I’m sure. But CDs etc. SHOULD find time. That’s the point, FIND TIME to help guide!
So heartbroken to know that even as his career was ascending, there was a dizzying depth if sadness that he couldn’t bare. Please remind each of those you speak to today that they matter. And when you ask how they are doing… Set aside a few moments to actually hear them. Rest in Peace, Lee. You mattered and you did make a difference. You will be greatly missed and remembered.
Very well said. I fully agree….Prayers go to his family and those who loved him.
Very well said. I watch Rizzoli and Isles every week and found Lee’s character to be one of my favorites, great at his work, yet so kind and endearing. This news saddens me. I am also a therapist who happens to be on that journey with the many out there who struggle with such despair, often privately. My heart goes out to Lee and his family..may you be at peace Lee and know that you had many fans.
This was the last thing I thought would be in the news today. So sad. I first saw him on The Guardian. I did not know that he was a Disney child star until now. I’m I the only one who is seeing a pattern with Disney Child Stars. Amanda Bynes, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan. This just the top 3; I can think of a lot more.
RIP Lee
Amanda Bynes was never a Disney channel star
its a sad sad day today he will be missed
RIP Mr. Lee- You will never be forgotten… My condelences to the family and people that loved him
Oh my Lord. Such an amazing actor! Frost is my favorite on R & I!!! He brings so much joy to me every week. What a sad sad ending. A tragic loss xo
So sad indeed, what a tragic coincidence that he committed suicide on ‘flashforward’ and now this. Condolonces to his family n friends.
Very, very sad. I watch R&I and must say he was one of the team. My heart goes out to his family and friends. God bless.
RIP in Lee! Prayers and thoughts going out to his family and friends.
RIP Mr. Lee, you were so very young. My heart and prayers go out to your family and friend. I am so sorry and very sad.
While we mourn the loss, some of the fault lies in ourselves. People who take their own lives are sad, even though to the world, they appear happy. But sad people show sadness, and in showing that, cry out for help. When no one responds or seems to care (usually chalked up to a bad day or being “moody”), that person sees no way out. In his or her eyes, therapy from a professional stranger won’t work. What will help is someone whom he/she loves showing them that they care by noticing the sadness and doing something more than just “ask”. We tend to ignore other people’s problems because we have so many of our own. But that’s not human. That’s cold, selfish and uncaring, no matter how good a person you think you might be (a major symptom of selfishness). How many more suicides will it take for us to realize we need to stop being so selfish and take a moment to help another? It’s easy to go on a bulletin board and write “Tragic” or “RIP”. It’s entirely something else to truly notice someone who’s sad, take a moment and focus on him/her. You will not believe how such a small act will impact a sad person’s life. He/she will feel that someone actually cares rather than dismiss their emotion as temporary. Forget about the actor. Think about the man. Try for a moment to see what we was going through in the moments before he ended his life. Look around and see the others who are equally sad and crying out for help in their own subtle way. Take a moment to care so that this man’s death, along with several others, won’t be in vain.
Amen!!! So VERY well put, and it truly needed to be said.
I remember Mr. Young from the Famous Jet Jackson. When I heard the news it shocked and saddened me. It is so important that we as human beings take the time to be considerate to one another because we never know what a person is going through; a smile and a kind word could make a difference in a persons life who feels whatever they are going through is too much to bear. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Thank you so much for your gentle and genuinely heartfelt comments. It is amazing how easy it is to show care and compassion to those around us but we never seem to do it because we might look weak ourselves. We need to be there for each other. I once heard that it doesn’t matter if the glass is half full or half empty because if we carry the glass around long enough, the weight alone will be too much to bear alone.
That was very well said….. RIP Lee! I’ll be praying for his family.
When I got this news it was like a punch in the gut. I am bewildered and saddened by his passing. Like so many, I am bewildered by his passing. But I had to take the time to comment on your post. I know you mean well, but your words will make those who cared for him feel even worse. Forty years ago, at nineteen, I tried to take my life. It is a miracle, or more probably God’s will, that I am still here. I can tell you from personal experience that when you are in that deep well of despair, no words can alleviate the pain. I, too, was found after not reporting to work because I was so dependable. I lived in a dorm and gave no clue to my dorm mates, family or friends that I was in despair. It would have spoiled my exit. In my case, it took 20 years to diagnose and treat the depression that overtook me off and on through the years. What kept me holding on was the fear of what my life would have been like had I not recovered fully from my suicide attempt. To this day, my family remains unaware of this time in my life and there is a full day in my life I can never account for. I just wish circumstances could have intervened to help him hang on until he could find his way. R.I.P, Lee.
Almostmetoo: Thank you for saying something and for telling such a personal story. What you said gave me the nerve to say something too and I’m sure that not only will it help others understand suicide a little more it will also help others who’ve struggled or are struggling with depression. Sometimes just knowing that we aren’t the only ones out there can help and knowing that others have managed to slog through and make it to the other side can give some much needed hope.
WGAwriter-I understand that your goal is to make people think about others and to be aware that we often aren’t aware of the suffering of the people around us, I think that is a wonderful and important point and I’m glad that you made it. Our world could use an awful lot more empathy and a lot less finger pointing. That said, I have a few issues with a few things that you said that I think it’s really important to address:
We don’t know that he didn’t get help and we don’t know whether people reached out to him or not. In a situation like this it’s human nature to want to try to find someone or something to blame but doing that can be awfully destructive to the folks around him and also other people who have had to struggle through the suicide of a loved one. Suicide is very rarely anyone’s fault, it’s tragic, painful, awful and confusing for everyone involved and the families and friends of the person who has died are just as much victims as the person who has been in so much pain that they’ve felt the need to end their life. Suicide leaves a hole and tons of unanswered questions and many people who have lost someone to it struggle with guilt for years.
Personally, I had been seeing a wonderful therapist for 2 years when I attempted suicide. My attempt wasn’t due to not getting help or not having support, it had everything to do with the fact that depression is an awfully tough thing to find your way through sometimes and it took me a long time to get it under control.
Dear Could’ve –
Thanks for your reply. I understand your perspective. I just want people to better understand it’s not good to sit back idly and do nothing when we see others around us being sad. We don’t know what the whole story behind this man’s death — and maybe we don’t need to. We know a promising actor is gone, and for me, that’s enough to say what I said. A lot of people are selfish, especially in this business. We need to pay attention a little more, see others’ pain and try to help.
Could’ve I have yet to ever comment on any blog, but found myself stupidly drawn to this, let’s just say I really appreciate your comment . Immense guilt is being felt among us close friends and family and WGA I think you have to be careful to speak and make a blanket statement on what we did or did not do, or should’ve. You have NO idea of what the situation is,minus the little you hear from the media. Interesting reading both of your comments WGA you might have the compassion Couldve’s did if you had gone thru such a confusing and heartbreaking experience, until yesterday I hadn’t either….please don’t point fingers or try to conclude a lesson in a situation you really know nothing about. To me prayers and warm thoughts are the extend of where your voice should start and end And not words such as self fish,cold,and uncaring. Maybe such a strong statement without knowing any information on the people who loved and cared about him is as dangerous as what you accuse us of being. Please watch your words. Let’s use this forum to speak of his beautiful gentle spirit and life and as a supportive form of support through grief.
You speak the truth…
My reply was to “Could’ve
I,m Heart Broked and Speechless abou the Passing of Lee Thompson Young my Heart goes out to the Cast And Crew I just been shell shocked
RIP Nupe . . .
This is one of the most touching comment threads I’ve ever seen on Deadline. It brought tears to my eyes. For a young actor to be as successful as he has been and still take his own life shows just how brutal a disease depression is.
To nyny…
Depression is an insidious disease that attacks your heart and soul…a nefarious monster that feeds on hope until there is nothing left…it’s the nothing-less that kills.
*s/b nothingness