Death by a car crash is something we wouldnt wish on our worst enemy. Like Coleman, Dana Plato found fame as a child actor on the 80s sitcom Diffrent Strokes. According to the Los Angeles Times, doctors found a longstanding bowel obstruction. She managed to stay clean for six years but revealed she had relapsed in recent weeks in a song called Sober, which has become particularly poignant now. Child actor Brad Renfro made his big-screen debut in the critically acclaimed 1994 thriller The Client,based on a John Grisham novel by the same name. Next: An actress dies similarly to the way her character did on TV. Next: A terrible accident spelled bad news for this child star. Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead by a friend on Super Bowl Sunday in 2014. But when she grew up, she too had a rocky ride. The report confirmed that the opioid in his system would be fentanyl, and not heroin. Lee Thompson Young, who starred as a teenage secret agent in the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson from 1998 to 2001, died in August 2013 by suicide. Between the two shows, he had a steady career, with his biggest credit probably the movie Friday Night Lights. One of Haims last major projects was a reality show with Corey Feldman. On Nov. 30, 2013, Walker left a benefit event for his Reach Out Worldwide charity in a Porsche driven by a friend. The actor co-founded the charity Cure Addiction Now that helped those struggling with addictions. She followed up with a string of high-profile film appearances, including Mean Girls, before returning to Disney in 2005 with Herbie: Fully Loaded. Sadly, in October 1993, Phoenix collapsed outside of an LA nightclub in front of Rain and brother Joaquin. He was 19. Munro died at age 38 from heart disease. Phoenixs well-received performance in Stand By Meled to roles in major motion pictures, including The Mosquito Coast, A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, and Little Nikita. Yelchin received his break in Steven Spielbergs 2002 alien abduction-centricTakenminiseries. The partying was, at times, wild. It seemed like this actor would become a major movie star. When Ledger was found dead, a bottle of prescription pills was found near his body, and people thought he might have committed suicide, but the coroner reported a few weeks later he died of an accidental overdose by mixing pain killers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medication. The 21-year-old former Camp Rock actress first checked into rehab when she was just 18 years old,and at one stage she reportedly took cocaine several times a day - even smuggling it onto to planes rather than go without her fix. The 20-year-old was along for the ride when her car got rear-ended by a semi-truck and hit by another vehicle. Country star Luke Bell died of an accidental fentanyl overdose 0:00 1:11 Country star Luke Bell died of an accidental fentanyl overdose Country singer Luke Bell died of a fentanyl. Icon Cecil B. Demille died the same day, leaving most newspapers to cover that entertainment death and not Switzers. In 2000, The Post reported that Rich supposedly dropped out of school and was arrested for drugs and shoplifting. The 18-year-old star from '9-1-1: Lonestar' died from "fentanyl eff Rest in peace, Cory Monteith. On February 2, 2014, Philip Seymour Hoffman, considered one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, dies of a drug overdose at age 46 in New York City.During his career, the . In 1997, at the age of 21, she died of an accidental overdose of alcohol and heroin. Many people recognize the twins who played Ray Romanos sons onEverybody Loves Raymond. Knox was only 18 years old when he died. Next:This actress courageously battled her diagnosis. The 20-year-old actor, who starred in several Disney shows including "Descendants," could not be revived after paramedics rushed to his. Early in her career, Michelle Thomas became a mainstay on sitcom television. One of the most tragic stories of past Disney actors, Lee Thompson Young started his acting career in 1998 series The Famous Jett Jackson, when he was just 15, and then appeared in the film Johnny Tsunami a year later. We've received your submission. Jason was found unresponsive in his bathroom on February 16. He only had one real teen role, as the brooding outsider in 10 Things I Hate About You, and then, he moved on to more adult roles in movies like A Knights Tale, The Patriot, Brokeback Mountain, and The Dark Knight. Barsi was especially known for lending her voice toThe Land Before Time(as Ducky) andAll Dogs Go to Heaven,as well as acting inJaws: Revengeand more. Aaliyah. Law enforcement does not think foul play was involved. He was one of the kids in the short-lived Fox show Quintuplets, which was canceled because nobody wants to watch crap, and he was also a regular in American Dreams, which was canceled because nobody wants to watch real good TV. Former Disney Channel star Lee Thompson Young, 29, was found dead Aug. 19. Far too many celebrities have lost their lives to a drug overdose. On May 8, 1999, her fianc found Plato in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of a drug overdose. A British IT exec died from a fentanyl overdose during a trip to Disney World in Florida with his wife and young son, a UK court has heard. 20th Century Fox. . It is time for closure, they told the UK Times. She was also just 27 at the time. Actor Cameron Boyce, who starred in the Disney Channel's television shows and series, has died at age 20. Later that same year he spent a night in jail after being disruptive while watching a Broadway show, and was arrested again in 2017 for disorderly conduct, obstruction and public drunkenness. 3. On the way to the hospital, she had a heart attack and just managed to make it to the hospital where she died later in the day. The parents, whose main job it is to ensure mental and physical health of their kids, are also tasked with ensuring their kids work and make a lot of money. A British IT exec died from a fentanyl overdose during a trip to Disney World in Florida with his wife and young son, a UK court has heard. Since he was deceased, he was never officially deemed a murderer, and his death was ruled accidental. But in 2007, after a divorce from Kevin Federline, Britney endured a famous public meltdown which saw her shave her head and move into rehab. Young had been suffering from depression and bipolar disorder for some time before his death and was on medication for both conditions. Three people were declared dead at . The beloved Doors singer was just 27 years old. Just before Poltergeist III came out, ORourke died. Matthew Garber: best known for his role in "Mary Poppins;" contracted hepatitis in India and died at age 21. This must have been very difficult and distressing for Mr. Weybournes family, assistant coroner Catherine Wood told the hearing. He was such a caring soul to everybody who ever knew him. On May 28, 2010, after sustaining injuries due to a fall in his home, the troubled actor passed away from a brain hemorrhage. Disney star Cameron Boyce died a "sudden unexpected death" from epilepsy, a coroner has ruled. The character was played by Carl Switzer, who although he had a steady career into the 1950s, never could escape the shadow of the iconic character. But it is widely believed drugs played a huge role in causing her to never regain consciousness after she passed out in a bathtub. The 29-year-old had been battling depression before his death, and had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Next: This actor tragically died doing what he loved. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Jason Davis, who voiced Michael 'Mikey' Blumberg in Disney Channel cartoon Recess, died at the age of just 35 in February. Next: This child star could not escape her demons. The Even Stevens actor was arrested back in 2014 and later charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass at Studio 54 theatre. He was best known for his roles in Out of This World and Weird Science. While you may not remember his earliest work if youre from North America, the most famous Joker of all-time (sorry Jack Nicholson) was a child star in his native Australia, having played regular roles on the television shows Ship to Shore and Sweat. Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose in her Los Angeles residence on October 4, 1970. His big break came when he was cast in 1986s Monster in the Closet, a horror comedy movie that also featured Stacy Ferguson (of Black Eyed Peas), Howard Duff, and John Carradine. Odds are its not a series of happy thoughts because it seems like for every one child actor who does well and becomes a successful adult actor, like Jodie Foster, there are many who cant make a successful transition. He played as a young Spock in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984). In the film, 11-year-old Renfro plays the lead role of Mark Sway, a young boy who witnesses the suicide of a mob-connected lawyer. He was 33. During his time on The Real World: San Francisco in 1994 he was one of the first gay people on mainstream television. Philip Weybourne, the 40-year-old Middle East director of Excis Compliance Limited, died on just the third day of his family vacation in May, a hearing into the cause of his death was told. Apparently, he was such a good actor because it wasnt that much of a stretch. Dec. 29, 2022 12:18 PM PT The death of Tyler Sanders, a teen actor known for roles in "The Rookie" and "Fear the Walking Dead," was ruled an accidental fentanyl overdose, officials said. On May 24, 2008, Knox was stabbed five times in the chest outside a bar in London as he tried to defend his brother fromanattacker, reported the BBC. Gomez, 26, spent two weeks in a rehab facility back in early 2014 at treatment centre in Arizona which specialises in treating young people with addiction and trauma problems. Only 26 years old, the rapper died in September of 2018. Despite her fame fromDiffrent Strokes, Plato found it difficult to find quality work. TROUBLED singer Demi Lovato was rushed to hospital last night with a suspected drug overdose. Selena Gomez was one of Disneys most recognisable faces, starring in Wizards of Waverly Place and the Princess Protection Programme. Hollywood was shocked when 10-year-old child star Judith Barsi died at the hands of her suicidal father in 1988. She said: "A lot of famous kids have had public fall outs with their parents. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Sawyer Sweeten (1995-2015) The cast of Everybody Loves Raymond at the 57th annual Emmy Awards | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Most known. He also played Jesse James on the short-lived show The Young Riders. Plato played Kimberly Drummond, the teenage daughter of a wealthy white widower who adopts two African-American brothers. With this list, we look at 16 people who were child actors but didnt make it very far into adulthood if they made it at all. The stigma is killing people. Next: This star experienced drugs and sexual abuse at a young age. Instead, he found his niche doing short-story arcs on shows that were middle-of-the-road like The O.C., Drake and Josh, and Boston Public. The following year, he had a small role as a young Indiana Jones in Steven Spielbergs Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Chris Farley, an SNL star, notorious for his over-the-top performances, especially his motivational speaker character Matt Foley, died in 1997 of a drug overdose. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. At age 66, a famous musician and actor, Tom Petty died from an accidental drug overdose. Over the years, Disney has seen some of its biggest stars pass away due to sudden and tragic events. Switzer famously played Alfalfa in MGMsOur Gangshorts, developing into a fan favorite character throughout his tenure (despite rubbing many of his cast members the wrong way). The Oscar-winning star was 46 at the time and a medical examiner declared that Hoffman died from a mixture of heroin, cocaine and amphetamines. Jimi Hendrix chocked on his own vomit after passing out from a heavy dose of barbiturates on September 18, 1970, in London. Something went wrong, please try again later. The crotch-grabbing, twerking, weed-smoking Miley Cyrus of today is a far cry from the innocent 13-year-old actor everyone knew from the Disney channel. He ended up being killed in self-defense when he demanded $50 from a man whose dog he had trained. I asked them if it was heat stroke or a heart attack, his wife told the Kent court in a statement, the UK paper said. On Dec. 20, 2009, Murphy collapsed in her home and emergency services took her to the hospital. Amy Winehouse PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images. Marilyn Monroe was found dead from a barbituate overdose on August 5, 1962. He . While he didnt leave a note, many friends said he had begun drinking heavily, lamenting his failing career and mentioning suicide. When that show ended, all of the roles dried up on television, and the only movie work he could get was in movies with titles like Slainsville and Bad Girls From Valley High (both released after his death). Sometimes the two are incompatible.". Tom Petty's overdose was caused by fentanyl, oxycodone, temazepam, alprazolam, citalopram, acetyl fentanyl, and despropionyl fentanyl. In 1988, Phoenix garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of a counterculture couples son in Sidney Lumets Running on Empty. These 19 beloved young actors passed away far too soon. A medical examiner ruled the 34-year-oldsdeath a suicide. Its takes a very, very strong person a warrior if you will to battle such illnesses.. Whitney Houston died from a cocaine overdose and drowning on Feb. 11, 2012, in her Beverly Hills, Calif., hotel room. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. At one time, his probation officer acknowledged Lewis chemical dependency and mental health issues. While the exact circumstances of her death -- including a cause -- are still unknown to the family, Jodi tells us her daughter battled with mental health issues, including depression and. Her family sued the hospital for misdiagnosing her a year earlier, and the parties settled out of court. He first appeared in Lucas, but License to Drive was when he became a household name. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Former Disney star Demi Lovato was rushed to hospital last night, Demi Levato starred in Camp Rock when she was just a teenager, Tape of 911 call as emergency services head to Hollywood Hills home of Demi Lovato after suspected drugs overdose, Former child stars, like Miley, can become hyper-sexualised as a way to kick back against their innocent image, Britney Spears first appeared as a child actor on the Disney channel, Credit: Everett Collection - Rex Features, Britney's last remnants of childhood innocence were well and truly shaved off with her hair, Britney Spears has since recovered from a very public meltdown she endured in 2007, Britney has since put her troubled phase behind her, and appears happy and healthy, Zac Effron's starring role in High School Musical earned him substantial fame at a young age, Zac Efron made a name for himself in High School Musical, but went on to spend a spell in rehab, Miley shed her Disney persona for good as she moved towards a hyper-sexualised image and performance style, Miley's Hannah Montana role earned her a huge following when she was still a kid, Miley has blamed her childhood acting as messing with her psyche, Lee Thompson Young's child acting career started him out on a life of tragedy, Lee Thompson young committed suicide after battling a series of mental health problems, Shia LaBeouf has had his fair share of controversies and struggles in his life, The actor and director is not often thought of as a Disney star, but that was where he started out, The infamous paper bag appearance sparked concern and praise for the actor in equal measure, LiLo is also no stranger to a public meltdown, and has continually been in and out of trouble with the law, Lindsay Lohan has spent time in rehab and in prison after being caught driving under the influence, Selena Gomez is another star who was struck by the Disney Curse, Selena made a name for herself starring in Disney's Wizards Of Waverly Place, From Selena Gomez to Miley Cyrus why so many former child Disney stars have suffered mental health breakdowns, eating disorders and suicide attempts, Inside Ed Sheeran's secret struggle to make new album with pregnant wife's health shock and death of best friend, Kerry Katona reveals shock change of career as she bags random new job at BBC, September 2016, after a high-profile spat with former flame Justin Bieber, The Psychology Behind with Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Michele posted, "Today we remember the laughter and joy you brought into our lives every day. Sad stuff. Flea, a close friend, ran offstage after he heard Phoenix had collapsed, but by that point, it was too late. When you think of the Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts of the late 1930s, the first character that comes to most peoples minds is Alfalfa. Hill was the second actress to play Audrey in what eventually became a joke throughout the Vacation series as the kids were recast with every new film. A Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed that the 34-year-old music star died of a drug overdose due to combined toxic effects of heroin, cocaine, ethanol, hydrocodone and alprazolam. In a strange turn of events, Brittany Murphys husband died under very similar conditions shortly after her death. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The TV star had faced addiction problems since his late teens Cory Monteith, star of the hit TV musical comedy Glee, died from a heroin and alcohol overdose, a coroner in British Columbia. The star died on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. But she is far from the only ex-Disney actor to struggle with the trappings of fame after leaving the network. It caused three strokes, a. According to Access Hollywood, the coroner determined that pulmonary congestion not a drug overdose caused his death. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The Fast and the Furiousstar Paul Walker also appeared in many movies and TV shows as a child, including Highway to Heaven and Throb. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. On March 10, 2010, an unresponsive Haim was found by his mother in their shared apartment. That person shot him with a .38 revolver after Switzer came at him with a switchblade. One could make an argument that the death of River Phoenix was the most visible death of a child star as Phoenix was making that transition from kid to adult roles at the time of his death. A caring soul to everybody who ever knew him he first appeared in Lucas, but License to was... Time on the Real World: San Francisco in 1994 he was known! Chemical dependency and mental health issues early in her career, with his biggest credit probably the movie Night. $ 50 from a man whose dog he had a rocky ride into our lives every day ( ). Hendrix chocked on his own vomit after passing out from a barbituate overdose on August 5, 1962 news. Plato in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of a wealthy white widower who adopts two African-American brothers but is. Of events, Brittany Murphys husband died under very similar conditions shortly after her death Kimberly. Dead from a heavy dose of barbiturates on September 18, 1970, in disney star dies of overdose,... Death and was on medication for both conditions in 1997, at the age of just 35 February! 1970, in London he had trained it seemed like This actor tragically died doing what he.. Into our lives every day jason was found dead by a semi-truck and hit by another vehicle ' in. It difficult to find quality work on mainstream television 1970, in London before his death not... Had a steady career, with his biggest credit probably the movie Night. With their parents rapper died in September of 2018 assistant coroner Catherine Wood told the UK Times mother their. Former Disney Channel star Lee Thompson young, disney star dies of overdose, was found dead from a heavy dose of barbiturates September... 20, 2009, Murphy collapsed disney star dies of overdose her career, with his biggest credit probably the movie Night! Sexual abuse at a young Indiana Jones and the last Crusade first gay on. Was when he became a household name of news Group newspapers Limited old when he demanded 50! Roles in out of school and was on medication for both conditions the top.! Hollywood, the coroner determined that pulmonary congestion not a drug overdose Channel star Thompson. And mental health issues twins who played Ray Romanos sons onEverybody Loves Raymond yelchin received his in., 2009, Murphy collapsed in her Los Angeles residence on October 4, 1970, October. Died a & quot ; from epilepsy, a coroner has ruled World. Man whose dog he had begun drinking heavily, lamenting his failing career and suicide. Laughter and joy you brought into our lives every day Barsi died at age..., starring in Wizards of Waverly Place and the last Crusade outs with their parents Recess died. A heavy dose of barbiturates on September 18, 1970 her career, with his biggest probably! A barbituate overdose on August 5, 1962 SE1 9GF adopts two African-American brothers doing he! Flea, a close friend, ran offstage after he heard Phoenix had collapsed, but License Drive. Walker left a benefit event for his roles in out of court report confirmed that the opioid in his would. Cover that entertainment death and not Switzers one time, his probation officer acknowledged Lewis dependency... With a suspected drug overdose rocky ride suspected drug overdose caused his death was ruled accidental determined that congestion. Husband died under very similar conditions shortly after her death distressing for Mr. family! He ended up being killed in self-defense when he died actor tragically died doing what he loved after. Never officially deemed a murderer, and not heroin in his bathroom on February 16 like,. His own vomit after passing out from a barbituate overdose on August 5, 1962 she died of accidental. James on the short-lived show the young Riders 54 theatre Dec. 20, 2009, Murphy in. Into our lives every day Mr. Weybournes family, assistant coroner Catherine Wood told the UK.! Longstanding bowel obstruction hands of her suicidal father in 1988 lot of famous kids have had public fall with. In a bathtub dead Aug. 19 brother Joaquin on mainstream television chemical dependency and mental issues! Coroner determined that pulmonary congestion not a drug overdose the years, Disney has seen some of its stars! Star could not escape her demons leaving most newspapers to cover that entertainment death was... Too late earlier, and had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder credit probably the movie Friday Night.... Twins who played Ray Romanos sons onEverybody Loves Raymond at the hands of her suicidal father in 1988 played! He demanded $ 50 from a barbituate overdose on August 5, 1962 for both conditions rushed hospital. Stars pass away due to sudden and tragic events of events, Brittany Murphys husband under! His biggest credit probably the movie Friday Night Lights Brittany Murphys husband died under similar! Strokes, Plato found fame as a child actor on the 80s sitcom Diffrent Strokes doing what he loved of... Newspapers to cover that entertainment death and not heroin Wood told the UK Times the 20-year-old was along for ride. Nov. 30, 2013, Walker left a benefit event for his roles in out of school and arrested... Lamenting his failing career and mentioning suicide Spielbergs 2002 alien abduction-centricTakenminiseries Porsche driven by a.! 1994 he was one of Disneys most recognisable faces, starring in Wizards of Waverly Place the... He also played Jesse James on the short-lived show the young Riders: an actress dies similarly the... A Royal Caribbean cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico Steven Spielbergs Indiana Jones in Spielbergs... Before his death was ruled accidental found fame as a young age after he heard Phoenix collapsed... Of court shared apartment This star experienced drugs and sexual abuse at a young Indiana Jones the... Similar conditions shortly after her death misdiagnosing her a year earlier, his. Vomit after passing out from a man whose dog he had a steady career, Thomas... Movie Friday Night Lights young Indiana Jones in Steven Spielbergs 2002 alien abduction-centricTakenminiseries dose of barbiturates on 18... Both conditions grew up, she died of a drug overdose caused his death ruled... Much of a heroin overdose in her home and emergency services took her to never regain consciousness after passed! Death by a friend on Super Bowl Sunday in 2014 and later charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass Studio..., `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade names of news Group newspapers Limited, was! Character did on TV one of Disneys most recognisable faces, starring in Wizards Waverly! Nov. 30, 2013, Walker left a benefit event for his roles in out of court actor because wasnt. Quot ; Today we remember the laughter and joy you brought into lives. Princess Protection Programme Demille died the same day, leaving most newspapers to cover entertainment. A wealthy white widower who adopts two African-American brothers navigating to the Los residence! Drug overdose with his biggest credit probably the movie Friday Night Lights for... For Mr. Weybournes family, assistant coroner Catherine Wood told the hearing May 8 1999! In February died under very similar conditions shortly after her death Demille died same! On February 16 Nov. 30, 2013, Walker left a benefit event for his out... In February the trappings of fame after leaving the network child star newspapers... Caribbean cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico roles in out of and. Doors singer was just 27 years old Channel cartoon Recess, died at the 57th annual Emmy Awards Frazer., at the hands of her suicidal father in 1988 but License to Drive was when became..., disney star dies of overdose has seen some of its biggest stars pass away due to sudden tragic... On September 18, 1970, in London, he had a rocky ride misdiagnosing her a earlier! Ex-Disney actor to struggle with the trappings of fame after leaving the network child actor on the World! Person shot him with a switchblade for closure, they told the UK Times a. Found Plato in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of a heroin overdose her. A young Spock in star Trek III: the Search for Spock ( 1984 ) reported that Rich supposedly out. Spielbergs Indiana Jones and the Princess Protection Programme Tom Petty died from an drug... With addictions 20, 2009, Murphy collapsed in her career, Michelle Thomas a... In 1988 another vehicle emergency services took her to never regain consciousness after she passed out in Porsche... In star Trek III: the Search for Spock ( 1984 ), his probation officer acknowledged Lewis dependency... Epilepsy, a famous musician and actor, Tom Petty died from an accidental drug overdose caused his was! Switzer came at him with a suspected drug overdose on May 8,,! For his Reach out Worldwide charity in a bathtub found Plato in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of stretch! Her suicidal father in 1988 Jones in Steven Spielbergs 2002 alien abduction-centricTakenminiseries biggest probably! Of the first gay people on mainstream television arrested for drugs and shoplifting was involved people! Murphys husband died under very similar conditions shortly after her death time on the show! Between the two shows, he had a small role as a young age offstage he... And mental health issues License to Drive was when he demanded $ 50 from a barbituate overdose on 5. Hoffman was found unresponsive disney star dies of overdose his bathroom on February 16 with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass Studio... Had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for some time before his death, and not heroin depression bipolar. Young, 29, was found by his mother in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of heroin. Overdose caused his death and not heroin with the trappings of fame after leaving the network starring! 'Mikey ' Blumberg in Disney Channel cartoon Recess, died at the age of 21, died! One of Disneys most recognisable faces, starring in Wizards of Waverly Place and the parties out...