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Former ‘Jett Jackson’ Disney star Lee Thompson Young dead at 29

By Amy Kaufman, Dawn Chmielewski, Richard Winton and Andrew Blankstein
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Former Disney Channel star Lee Thompson Young was found dead Monday morning amid reports that he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sheree Cohen, who served as Young’s talent agent for many years, confirmed the 29-year-old star’s death. A law enforcement source told The Times that his death appeared to be a suicide.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning,” said Young’s manager, Jonathan Baruch, in a statement issued to the website Deadline. “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 very difficult time.”

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PHOTOS: Lee Thompson Young: Career in pictures

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.

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PHOTOS: Notable deaths of 2013

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.

According to TMZ, Young’s Los Angeles landlord found his body after receiving a call from TNT staff after he failed to show up on set. “Rizzoli & Isles” is in production on its fourth season and had just been renewed for a fifth.

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The Disney Channel could not be reached for comment. TNT said it would issue a statement shortly.

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Amy Kaufman

Amy Kaufman is a columnist at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes the A-1 column “For Real With Amy Kaufman.” The series examines the lives of icons, underdogs and rising stars to find out who the people are shaping our culture — for real. Since joining The Times in 2009, she has profiled hundreds of influential figures including Stevie Nicks, Nick Cannon, Drew Barrymore and Lady Gaga. She is also an investigative reporter and was part of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist team that covered the tragic shooting on the “Rust” film set. Her work often shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment business, and she has uncovered misconduct allegations against Randall Emmett and Russell Simmons. In 2018, her book “Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America’s Favorite Guilty Pleasure” became a New York Times bestseller.

Richard Winton

Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016.

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