Disney stars remember actor Cameron Boyce, who has died at age 20

Cameron Boyce, the Disney Channel actor who starred in its TV series “Jessie” and franchise “Descendants,” died Saturday of “an ongoing medical condition,” his family told ABC News. He was 20 years old.

“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron,” a spokesperson for his family told ABC News. “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.”

The Disney Channel released the following statement:

“From a young age, Cameron Boyce dreamed of sharing his extraordinary artistic talents with the world. He was 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. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, cast mates and colleagues and join his many millions of fans in grieving his untimely passing. He will be dearly missed.”

The news garnered huge response on social media, with “Grown Ups” co-star Adam Sandler posting a tribute to the actor.

“Too young. Too sweet. Too funny,” he wrote. “Just the nicest, most talented and most decent kid around. Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.”

Fellow Disney star Skai Jackson posted a tribute to Boyce on Instagram.

“Cam, you were one of a kind,” she wrote. “I am so happy that I got to spend almost everyday with you on set, you gave the best hugs. I wish I would have hugged you tighter when I saw you a couple of months ago. Thank you so much for being the big brother I never had … I love you so much … fly high.”

Charles Esten, who played Boyce’s father on “Jessie,” shared a series of tweets remembering the actor on Twitter.

“It was a joy working with him on ‘Jessie’ as it was with all the wonderful young stars of that beloved show,” he wrote. “They were as close as actual brothers and sisters to one another, and still are, and my heart breaks for them today.”

“Jessie” costar Kevin Chamberlin said on Twitter, “He always lit up a room when he entered — he was an extraordinarily talented actor, a selfless advocate with his charity work and a loyal friend. Our hearts are heavy with sadness.”

“Descendants” director Kenny Ortega posted a tribute to Boyce on Instagram. “It has been an indescribable honor and pleasure to know and work with him. I will see you again in all things loving and beautiful my friend. I will search the stars for your light.”

On Twitter, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger called Boyce “a friend to so many of us, and filled with so much talent, heart and life, and far too young to die.”

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Cameron Boyce,” wrote Hozier on Twitter. “When we met I was taken aback by his energy and drive, his dedication to his craft and the sheer kindness he exuded. It was a joy to witness the man’s skill. Sending love to his family and loved ones.”

A Los Angeles native, Boyce discovered a love of performance in dance studios before finding work in commercials and later TV and film.

He performed alongside Kiefer Sutherland in the horror film “Mirrors” (at the age of 9) and Shia LaBeouf in “Eagle Eye” as well as the CBS series “Code Black.”

Boyce’s breakout role was in the Disney series “Jessie,” which he starred in for four seasons. He was best known for his leading role in “Descendants” on which he played Carlos, the son of Cruella De Vil. The actor had wrapped production on “Descendants 3,” which is scheduled to premiere in August. He also starred in Disney XD’s “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.”

Boyce earned a Daytime Emmy for promotional announcement with the Disney XD series “Timeless Heroes — Be Inspired,” which honored Black History Month. In the series, he appeared alongside his grandmother Jo Ann Boyce, who was one of the 12 black teens who ushered in integration at a Clinton, Tenn., public school.

Boyce was involved with Thirst Project, a nonprofit organization that provides awareness for the global water crisis. In 2017 he launched a campaign that raised more than $27,000 to build two wells in Swaziland and was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award at the organization’s annual gala the following year.

He was set to star in the HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher” with Kathryn Hahn, the “American Satan” TV spinoff “Paradise City” and the upcoming indie thriller “Runt.”

sonaiya.kelley@latimes.com

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