Lee Thompson Young, the actor best known for starring in Disney's The Famous Jett Jackson, was found dead in his L.A. home yesterday morning (18th August). When the 29-year-old failed to show up to work, on the show Rizzoli & Isles, the staff grew concerned and contacted Young's landlord who found his body. 

Lee Thompson Young
Lee Thompson Young photographed at a birthday party in L.A., 2008.

His representative has confirmed the gunshot wound on Young's body was self-inflicted. In a statement, this representative said: "it is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning. Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed."

Rizzoli & Isles staff has said, via Executive Producer Janet Tamaro, that "everyone is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young." Tamaro and the "heartbroken" cast and crew described Young as "sweet, gentle, good-hearted" and "intelligent."

The Rizzoli & Isles producer went on to say, as reported by TMZ, Young "was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on-and-off screen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."

Celebrity friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to the late actor. These include Gabrielle Union, who worked with Young on FlashForward, she tweeted "I had the pleasure of working with Lee Thompson Young on FlashForward & he was extremely talented." Donald Faison, best known as playing Turk in Scrubs, tweeted "this breaks my heart. RIP Lee Thompson Young.

Young was born in South Carolina but after completing university moved to New York to pursue a career in acting. He was not only a talented actor but also wrote screenplays, including one entitled Mano. Although Young had appeared in a number of films including The Hills Have Eyes 2 and Akeelah and the Bee, the majority of his roles have been in television productions. These include The Famous Jett Jackson, FlashForward, Smallville and Scrubs

Contactmusic send their condolences to Lee Thompson Young's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. 

Gabrielle Union
Young's  former co-star Gabrielle Union at the 2013 ESPYs, held in L.A.