Shock as Cameron Boyce, the Grown-Ups and Descendants star, dies in his sleep. He was 20.
The family confirmed Boyce's death in a statement on Saturday, July 6.
According to Boyce's family statement, the actor died after suffering a seizure due to an ongoing health problem. But the underlying illness that caused Boyce's death hasn't been made public.
The family spokesperson wrote:
"It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron."
"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."
Boyce hadn't revealed or spoken about his health problem or being sick in the past. And his sudden death was a shock to his co-stars and fans.
A Beloved Disney Channel Star
The actor was only nine years old when he appeared in a horror film, Mirrors. He then shot to fame when he starred in the Disney Channel's TV comedy series, Jessie.
He also starred in animated Spider-Man film versions before staring as Carlos De Vil in the Disney movies franchise, the Descendants.
This film focused on teenagers of Disney baddies, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, and Jafar.
Arguably, one of his best-known roles was in the comedy film, Grown-Ups. In the movie, he played Keith Feder, son of Adam Sandler's character Leonard Feder.
Boyce was also set to star in the upcoming series Paradise City and the forthcoming HBO series, Mrs. Fletcher.
A Disney Channel spokesperson released a statement about Boyce's sudden death:
"From a young age, Cameron Boyce dreamed of sharing his extraordinary artistic talents with the world."
"As a young man, he was fueled by a strong desire to make a difference in peoples' lives through his humanitarian work."
"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."
Boyce Was Proud of His Mixed-Race Heritage
In 2016, he revealed that his grandmother, Jo Ann Boyce, was among the students who pioneered 'Clinton 12.' This's a group of students who made history by desegregating a state-supported high school in Tennessee in 1954.
Speaking to Teen Vogue in 2017, Boyce highlighted the lack of diversity in Hollywood.
He said:
"There are many people in Hollywood who don't look like me or don't have similar features as me."
"When it's a lead [role], it's very hard to come by. We sort of are working to change that. That is something that is important to everyone of color, a minority."
"It's very important for people not only to see in Hollywood and feel represented but also sort of even the playing field a bit."
He was Involved in Charity Work
In recent years, Boyce had dedicated his life to charity works. He raised thousands of pounds to build wells for clean water in Swaziland. He also introduced former vice president Joe Biden at his Biden Courage Awards in March this year.
Till We Meet Again
Just a day before his sudden death, he had shared a black and white snap with his over 8.5 million Instagram followers.
Fans have now flocked on social media, sharing tributes to this young, beloved Disney Channel star.
One person wrote:
"Fly high beautiful angel, we love you always."
Another said:
"Rip Cameron Boyce, you always made me laugh when I would come home from school & turn the TV on."
