Popular Disney star Cameron Boyce, known for his roles on the TV series “Jessie” and the “Descendants” film franchise, has died following a seizure in his sleep, caused by “an ongoing medical condition,” a family spokesperson told ABC News. He was 20.
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron,” said a family statement released Saturday night. “He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure, which was the 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.”
Boyce, a Los Angeles native, began his career at age 9 with a role in the horror film “Mirrors,” which starred Kiefer Sutherland. His more than 30 credits also included roles in the film “Grown Ups 2” with Adam Sandler, guest appearances several other Disney shows and pilot for the upcoming HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher” with Kathryn Hahn. But he is perhaps best known for “Jessie,” which aired on the Disney Channel from 2011 to 2015 where he played one of four adopted children for whom the title character served as nanny and the “Descendants” movies about the offspring of such classic Disney villains as Cruella De Vil and Maleficent the Evil Queen.
“Descendants 3” is scheduled to be released on Aug. 2.
He was also known for his charity work and was honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award in 2018 for his work with the Thirst Project, a nonprofit for which he raised $30,000 to build wells for clean drinking water in Swaziland. In March, he introduced former Vice President Joe Biden during his Biden Courage Awards in New York City.
“From a young age, Cameron Boyce dreamed of sharing his extraordinary artistic talents with the world,” Disney Channel officials said in a statement to ABC News. “As a young man, he was fueled by a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives through his humanitarian work. He was an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, cast mates and colleagues. He will be dearly missed.”
On Instagram, where Boyce had more than 8 million followers, “Descendants” director Kenny Ortega remembered the young star.
“Cameron brought love, laughter and compassion with him everyday I was in his presence,” Ortega wrote. “His talent, immeasurable. His kindness and generosity, overflowing. It has been an indescribable honor and pleasure to know and work with him.”
Shocked fans took to social media overnight and into early morning posting tributes and remembrances in multiple languages.
“`I’m so saddened by the passing of Cameron Boyce,” a fan named Emma tweeted. “I used to have the biggest crush on him growing up and to hear this is unbelievable. Thank you for making my childhood special Cameron.”
He is survived by his parents, Libby and Victor and his younger sister, Maya.