20 Child Stars Who Tragically Died Young

These child actors had their lives cut short. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most heartbreaking instances where actors passed away at a relatively early age. Our countdown includes Cameron Boyce, River Phoenix, Brittany Murphy, Dana Plato, Anton Yelchin, and more. Which of these stars was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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[trinaq]

Rest in Peace to all of these young stars, who died before their time. They deserved to have long, eventful careers, and will be forever missed. 😇💔

[kamsismith]

Judith Barsi’s story never fails to break my heart. Whenever someone talk about tragic child star stories, she’s the first person that comes to mind as she would have been 46 years old, using her platform for charities combating domestic violence, alcoholism, and child abuse.

[Hectorferjr]

I’m a 29 year old aspiring actor with Cerebral Palsy. I was 24 years old when I heard Cameron Boyce died. The tragic news gave me a new perspective as to why my parents wanted me to start my acting career later in life and I learned to never take the small experiences of life for granted ever again. I loved Jessie.

[svxd]

I can't believe they all died young. I miss Cameron Boyce.

[zuzukris]

One of the most heartbreaking things I’ve experienced. My daughter was 10 when Cameron Boyce passed. She’s always been young for her age. Jessie was one of her most favorite shows, and she loved Descendants! She was watching Jessie, and my husband was on his phone and exclaimed “oh my goodness that kid from Jessie died, Cameron Boyce.” My daughter turned slowly and said “what did you say? Cameron died?” She quietly got up, and went to her room. She was gone for a bit. I went upstairs, and her door was cracked. She was sitting on the edge of her bed. Her back to me, and her head down. Her shoulders were shaking. I could halfway see her face, and tears were hitting the floor. It was this hard, silent, cry. You could barely hear her. She cried so hard, and was so heartbroken! It broke my heart.

She just didn’t understand. In her mind, someone that young doesn’t just die, and she really liked him. Not like a crush. She admired him, and looked up to him. She was gutted, and cried for several days. I was so sad that she sat her room alone, and bawled her little heart out. We’re not really religious, but she lit a candle for him at the church down the street, and one for his family. It was the first time a celebrity had died that she liked and it was hard for her.

[XJIcequeen]

Cameron Boyce's death was so unexpected! I'm close to him in age and the fact he died so young so suddenly makes it more tragic

[Sion]

I think it's beautiful that Joaquin named his son River after his late brother

[madambutterfly]

That homage to him in descendants 4 was actually tearjerking

[scdvnic]

All the child stars who died too soon, RIP 🙏.

[julieta]

My favorite child stars who died young are Cameron Boyce and Michelle Thomas RIP your still missed today 🙏🏻💔🕊😭

[MrNewrad]

RIP to every single one of them who brought joy through films and TV.

[kleine.]

It's truly saddening that Cameron Boyce died in his sleep from a seizure, he wasn't taking drugs or anything it was entirely not his fault, we all miss him immensely 😔😭 R.I.P 💐

[tsjzuso]

Rip Cameron Boyce you're forever be missed may your soul be at peace now❤

[TheImaginator]

I always felt sad about Judith Barsi as well, I mean she was starting out as a cute child actor from voicing Ducky in The 1st Land Before Time and Anne-Marie in All Dogs Go To Heaven. 😭✝️ She doesn't deserve the abused by her sinister father, he's jealousy to his daughter truly is a cruel father.

[RayvenLunaNite]

No parent should have to outlive/bury their child... As a mom, my heart goes out to everyone who lost a child too soon, not just celebrities

[demh]

Cameron' s death STILL hurts
His parents interview with Robin Roberts on GMA should be seen, if you dare.

[kathrynhill]

Judith Barsi’s story breaks my heart immensely. But it also angers me. How could a father commit such evil things to his own family and then stoop this low to just murder them? All because he was so jealous of his daughter’s successful movie career? If my dad was her father, he would be so proud of her and embrace her with hugs and kisses. But not József Barsi. He was no father to her. He was a heartless monster with no devotion whatsoever.

[PlatinumRoseLady]

There's a documentary about Anton Yelchin called "Love, Antosha". It's an amazing look at an incredible person gone way too soon.

We miss you, Anton. 💔

[LadyKC]

So many of these child actors either overdosed or committed suicide. And dealt with mental health issues. It takes on a whole new meaning since the Nickelodeon special came out. How many of them were abused? The industry needs to be fully investigated. RIP.

[yoshistar]

Cameron Boyce hit me hard 💔 as a fellow epileptic warrior it’s heartbreaking
Your legend lives on 💜