A source on the set of “Rizzoli & Isles” told me Monday that “in total shock” was the way she’d describe the mood on the set of the TNT cop show — after the cast and crew learned Lee Thompson Young’s body was found. The actor played Barry Frost on the show.
The 29-year-old actor’s longtime manager Jonathan Baruch issued a statement Monday confirming 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.”
In a separate statement, TNT, Warner Bros. and “Rizzoli & Isles” executive producer Janet Tamaro said, “We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. … 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.”
As first reported by TMZ, Young’s landlord discovered the 29-year-old actor’s body Monday, the victim of a self-inflicted single gunshot wound.
The landlord entered Young’s apartment, after receiving a call from a series’ staffer, when Young did not show up for work.
“Everyone is so upset,” added the source, who also said the actor had not exhibited anything to indicate depression or problems in his personal life. “He was such a terrific guy.”
Young was perhaps best known for his role as the principal character on the Disney Channel’s “The Famous Jett Jackson,” beginning in 1998.
He also played the running back Chris Comer in the 2004 film, “Friday Night Lights,” and starred in the Disney film “Johnny Tsunami.”
Born in Canada, the actor grew up in South Carolina. Among his other acting credits were his co-starring role on “Flash Forward,” plus appearances on the TV shows “Smallville” and “Scrubs.”
Other big screen credits included “Akeelah and the Bee” and “The Hills Have Eyes II.”
A second source from “Rizzoli & Isles,” called late Monday afternoon to point out “Lee was an actor you always just knew would have a long, very productive career.
“He had the looks of a leading man, yet he could do just about anything from comedy to action to drama to horror films.
“I simply wished he had shared whatever it was that was bothering him. … There were many places he could have turned. I just wished he had taken the chance and reached out to someone who could have helped him — maybe given him the lifeline he needed.
“Now there’s nothing. No life at all. This is too, too tragic.”
