Lee Thompson Young, Disney Star "Jett Jackson", Dead After Possible Suicide
Lee Thompson Young, who played Boston police detective Barry Frost on the TNT police drama "Rizzoli & Isles," was found dead Monday morning.
Young's manager has confirmed to TheWrap that the actor killed himself.
"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."
According to a Los Angeles Police spokeswoman, officers arrived at Young's apartment after 8 a.m. Monday morning and found him dead.
Young, a South Carolina native, developed an affinity for acting at age 10 and two years later had secured representation. He rose to fame in 1998 when he starred in the Disney Channel show "The Famous Jett Jackson." On the program, which ran for three years, the actor played a teenage celebrity trying to live a normal life as a high school student.
The actor went on to attend USC, where he was a recognizable presence on campus, often dressing in all-white ensembles. He attended the School of Cinematic Arts on a full academic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude in 2005.
Following graduation, he booked guest-starring roles on various television programs. His next big break came in 2010, when he was cast on TNT's popular police drama "Rizzoli & Isles." As Det. Barry Frost, Young played the affable partner to Jane Rizzoli, played by Angie Harmon.
Production has been shut down for "Rizzoli & Isles" following the news of Young's death. No word on when filming will begin again.
