Did Jonathan Brandis kill himself?

[ThomasE]

I read it on IMDB. What happened? I heard that he hung himself four years ago. My gosh! I did not know. How could have I missed that?

[gidgetgrape]

Yes, sad but true. The news wasn't reported until almost a week after I believe.

[ThomasE]

Why would he do that? He was one of the child actors that I kinda looked up to when I was growing up. Why would he do that? What was so bad in his life that would make him go that route? I am happy to post the first official topic on the "Seaquest DSV" board but am saddened that it had to start off this way.

[gidgetgrape]

Jonathan's friends stated that he was upset about not being in the spotlight anymore. As he got older, the number of roles he was offered declined. He auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker, but lost the part to Hayden Christensen. His parents blamed his used of the acne medication Accutane, which reportedly increases depression. But, nothing ever explains suicide. I wish he would have received help. I miss him.

[catlover79]

It indeed was sad to hear that. He was close to my own age, and I remember reading about him in the teen magazines and seeing him in movies like Ladybugs and Never Ending Story, too. His relationship with Tatanya Ali (Fresh Prince) got a lot of attention. What a shame, and a waste.

[browneyes106]

I remember E! had a special on him for apart of Broken Dreams documentary. On the show Tatayna Ali and actress Danielle Harris both said that for a few years before his death that Jonathan often talked about suicide and other famous people who talked about suicide. I think he had mental problems that he didn't seek help for. I thought he was a great actor and very underrated