The news of Cameron Boyce’s death has prompted an outpouring of moving tributes from past castmates and celebrities who remember the 20-year-old as “a light that made many lives brighter”.
Boyce, best known for his roles on the Disney show Jessie and the franchise Descendants, died in his sleep on Saturday night after a seizure. His death was due to “an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated”.
Leading the way with heartfelt messages were Adam Sandler and Skai Jackson, who both worked with Boyce. Sandler, who played Boyce’s onscreen dad in Grown Ups, described the young actor as “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny.”
Jackson described Boyce as “the big brother” she never had, writing on Instagram, “My heart will forever be broken.”
Other Jessie actors posted messages online to remember the young star and extend their condolences to his family.
Peyton List called her onscreen brother “the boy who left everyone feeling hopeful and full of love”.
Onscreen mum Christina Moore declared that “the world will forever be dimmer” in the wake of Boyce’s death.
Ross Lynch remembered Boyce as “a light that made many lives brighter”.
“He was spirited, talented, kind, generous, funny and a shining light,” wrote Grown Ups onscreen mum Salma Hayek.
Wendy Raquel Robinson, who played Boyce’s onscreen mother Cruella de Vil in the Disney TV movie Descendants, wrote: “my heart is aching, praying for your precious family.”
Descendants 2 costar China McClain uploaded a series of videos in tribute to Boyce, expressing her disbelief at the news. She told followers that she was feeling “numb” and “empty”.
Brenna D’Amico expressed disbelief, telling followers: “I don’t have the words right now. All I can say now is that Cameron had so much more to do and so much more to give.”
“It is small comfort that at least you shone more brightly in your few years than most do in a lifetime,” wrote Keegan Connor Tracy, who stars in the Descendants franchise.
Descendants director Kenny Ortega paid his respects to Boyce on Instagram, writing: “You were already an Angel in life. The Legacy you leave is magnificent! Love You My Forever Boy.”
Costars Sarah Jeffery and Dianne Doan also posted snaps of themselves and Boyce.
Black-ish actors Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, and Marcus Scribner all dedicated Instagram posts to the young actor.
Martin joked that Boyce had been her “first ever celebrity crush” and said that she had been unable to sleep following news of his death. “We will all miss you but we know you’re in a better place. Until we meet again ♥️ rest well,” signed off the 14-year-old.
Shahidi, who had known Boyce from the age of 4, shared a throwback picture of the pair with a caption recalling a memory of working together.
“He was a humanitarian, his heart filled with the need to use his platform to help others,” wrote Scribner.
“Talented, kind, giving, beautiful, and kindred spirit,” wrote former Disney star Raven-Symoné.
Hellboy actor Selma Blair said that Boyce had a fan in the form of her 8-year-old son, Arthur. She wrote: “I loved knowing such a soulful, talented young man was out there for my son to look up to.”
Spider-Man: Far From Home actor Zendaya tweeted in honour of Boyce.
Absolutely heartbreaking, my heart goes out to his friends and family♥️ https://t.co/X8PAGo0Igi