Disney Star Cameron Boyce Dies At 20
Jul. 7 2019, Updated 10:32 p.m. ET
Disney star Cameron Boyce died at age 20 on Saturday, July 6, after suffering a seizure while asleep, his family said. RadarOnline.com can confirm he died at home in Los Angeles, per medical examiner.
Boyce was famous for his role in the Descendants movies. In a statement, his family said, “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.”
According to the family, Boyce's seizure was the result of an “ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.” They offered no other details. Boyce began as a child star in the horror film Mirrors at age 9.
Two years later, he appeared in the blockbuster Adam Sandler movie, Grown Ups, playing one of Sandler's children. Boyce went on to portray one of the leads on the Disney channel show, Jessie, which ran for four seasons.
The Descendants TV films, in which Boyce stood out as Cruella De Vil’s teen son Carlos, soared in the ratings. Disney Channel said in a 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, castmates and colleagues and join his many millions of fans in grieving his untimely passing. He will be dearly missed.”
“Descendants 3," which completed production last year, is set to premiere on Aug. 3. Boyce was also set to appear in the upcoming HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher.” The actor cared about giving back through charity work. Last year, Boyce received the Pioneering Spirit Award at Thirst Gala 2018 for his work with The Thirst Project, a nonprofit that provides safe drinking water to communities in need.
Descendants director Kenny Ortega wrote on Facebook after Boyce's death: “My Love, Light and Prayers go out to Cameron and his family. Cameron brought Love, Laughter and Compassion with him everyday I was in his presence. His talent, immeasurable. His kindness and generosity, overflowing. 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. Rest In Peace Cam. You will always be My Forever Boy!”
And Boyce's shocked Jessie co-star Skai Jackson wrote online, “I don’t even know where to start... I am at a loss for words. I never thought in a million years I would be writing this. Cam, you were one of a kind. My heart will be forever broken. 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 am so distraught and I cannot stop crying! I love you so much... fly high.”
Boyce has now joined a sad list of stars who died young.