The entertainment industry is paying tribute to Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce, following the devastating news of his death at just 20-years-old.
Boyce, loved for his roles in Disney’s Descendants movies and comedy series Jessie, passed away in his sleep due to an “ongoing medical condition.”
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron,” a spokesperson said on behalf of the Boyce family. “He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated. The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.
“We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
Disney remembered the young star as “an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person and, above all else, he was a loving and dedicated son, brother, grandson and friend.”
Tributes from fellow actors and celebrities have poured in on social media and Boyce’s Instagram, where he had amassed over eight million followers.
Skai Jackson, who worked with Boyce on Jessie for four seasons, commented on his last Instagram post: “I love you. Forever in my heart.”
Glee star Kevin McHale wrote:
This is awful. I’m heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone who was impacted by him. He was so young. I hope everyone gets the space they need right now. 💔 https://t.co/mh1aeVJPmW
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) July 7, 2019
Heartbroken. Lost for words. I had known Cameron Boyce for many years. He was always polite. Always respectful and always a class act. In fact I was going to message him a couple weeks ago to tell him that I wanted to be in each other’s lives more.
— Gregg Sulkin (@greggsulkin) July 7, 2019
So saddened to hear about the passing of such a young talented individual. I didn’t know him personally but he seemed like a great person. RIP Cameron Boyce. Some things don’t seem fair.. this pains me 😔♥️
— Grayson Dolan (@GraysonDolan) July 7, 2019
Rest in heaven Cameron Boyce.
Such a delightful soul
Prayers to his family.— Rome Flynn (@RomeTrumain) July 7, 2019
i am absolutely heartbroken, i don’t want this to be true. RIP cameron boyce 💙 we love you legend
— Ricky Dillon (@RickyPDillon) July 7, 2019
rest in peace to cameron boyce 😞 he was so young, incredibly talented, but also one of the kindest ppl I’ve ever met. sending love to his friends & family 💔
— James Charles (@jamescharles) July 7, 2019
Rest In Paradise 💔 cameron boyce pic.twitter.com/eYu4dEXL6U
— George Orozco (@George_Orozco) July 7, 2019
Kenny Ortega, director of the Descendants trilogy, described Boyce’s talent as “immeasurable.”
I don’t even know what to say. Rest In peace Cameron Boyce 😪💔 He was a big part of my childhood and gone way too fast. This one hits different pic.twitter.com/5dlryOfIHU
— Rug (@FaZeRug) July 7, 2019
Boyce rose to fame with his role on Jessie, and used his platform to promote causes he was passionate about. In 2018, he was awarded the Pioneering Spirit Award at the Thirst Gala for his work with The Thirst Project, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ending the global water crisis. The actor raised USD$30,000 to build wells in Swaziland.
Fans are equally heartbroken, with thousands sharing emotional tributes online.
https://twitter.com/buswellshewitt_/status/1147784043385315328
Fans are also retweeting a speech Boyce made at The Thirst Gala.
“We have the world in our pockets, we can tweet whatever we want, we can use social media and Instagram and make the world a better place instead of a worse one,” he said.
“We need to use what we have to make the world a better place for other people, for other people, for people who need us.”
https://twitter.com/cameronboycerip/status/1147791075379154944
