Cameron Boyce

Cameron Mica Boyce[1] (May 28, 1999 – July 6, 2019) was an American actor. He began his career as a child actor, making his first acting appearance in a Panic! at the Disco music video, before making his film debut in Mirrors in 2008. Boyce then went on to star as Luke Ross in Disney Channel's comedy series Jessie from 2011 to 2015. He starred in feature films Eagle Eye, Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2. He was also known for his role as Carlos in the three Descendants television films and for his lead role as Conor in Disney XD's comedy series Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything. Boyce did voice acting for various works, such as Jake in Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Herman Schultz in Spider-Man. On July 6, 2019, Boyce died at the age of 20 due to complications of epilepsy.

This article is about the American actor. For the Australian cricketer, see Cameron Boyce (cricketer).

Cameron Boyce
Boyce in 2017
Born
Cameron Mica Boyce

(1999-05-28)May 28, 1999
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedJuly 6, 2019(2019-07-06) (aged 20)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active2008–2019

Early and personal life

Boyce was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 28, 1999.[2][3] His father is of Afro-Caribbean and African-American descent. His mother is Jewish.[4][5] His paternal grandmother, Jo Ann (Allen) Boyce, was one of the Clinton Twelve, the first African-Americans to attend an integrated high school in the Southern United States, in 1956, as ordered by Brown v. Board of Education.[6]

Boyce lived in the Los Angeles area with his parents and his younger sister,[7] until he moved in with former co-stars Karan Brar and Sophie Reynolds in May 2019.[8] He was trained in breakdancing, hip-hop, modern dance, jazz, tap dance, and ballet. His favorite style was breakdancing, and, along with four of his friends, he was a member of the breakdancing crew "X Mob".[9]

Career

In May 2008, Boyce made his debut as a child actor in the music video "That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)", appearing as a younger version of Panic! at the Disco guitarist Ryan Ross. In July 2008, he appeared in General Hospital: Night Shift as a recurring character named Michael.[10] In August 2008, he made his feature film debut with a starring role in the horror film Mirrors, as well as appearing in the mystery-thriller film Eagle Eye that fall.[11][12]

In June 2010, Boyce starred as Keith, the spoiled son of Adam Sandler's character, in the comedy film Grown Ups and appeared later that same year showing off his dance skills on the web series The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.[13]

In April 2011, Boyce made a guest appearance on Disney Channel's comedy series Good Luck Charlie,[14] and later that month he was one of the featured dancers in a royal wedding tribute on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.[15] In June 2011, he had a small role as one of Judy's classmates in the family comedy film Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.[14] In August 2011, he was one of the featured dancers on Disney Channel's comedy series Shake It Up.[14] In September 2011, Boyce was cast in the starring role of Luke Ross on Disney Channel's comedy series Jessie.[16] During pre-production of the series, the role of Luke was originally intended to be a boy named Hiro adopted from Korea, but casting directors were impressed with Boyce during the audition process and ultimately decided to recreate the role specifically for him.[17][18]

In 2015, Boyce was one of the main cast members in Disney Channel's Descendants, playing Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil. He later reprised the character for the animated shorts Descendants: Wicked World and in the sequels Descendants 2 and Descendants 3, the latter of which was released posthumously.

In March 2018, Boyce was cast in the ABC comedy television pilot Steps, in the role of Becker,[19] and was also cast in the indie film Runt, in the role of Cal.[20]

In January 2019, Boyce had joined the cast of HBO's Mrs. Fletcher.[21] In April 2019, Boyce performed in the music video for "Almost (Sweet Music)" by Hozier.[22] He choreographed the dance with dancer Christine Flores, who appeared in the video alongside him.[23] Just prior to his death, Boyce was to begin production with Sandler on a new project.[24] In September 2019, it was announced that his clothing line called Archives, co-founded by him and stylist and designer Veronica Graye, would be released in November 2019.[25]

On July 14, 2020, a year after Boyce's death, the Alex Winter-directed documentary Showbiz Kids debuted on HBO. The film, which is about childhood stardom and its effects, includes interview footage of Boyce. It is dedicated to the memory of Boyce and former child actress Diana Serra Cary who had died on February 24, 2020.[26] The project he was due to star in with Sandler, Hubie Halloween, was released on October 7, 2020, with a dedication to Boyce that read, “In loving memory of Cameron Boyce. Gone way too soon and one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew. You live on forever in our hearts and are truly missed everyday”.[27]

Death

On July 6, 2019, Boyce was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles. Authorities were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.[28] According to a statement made by Boyce's family, Boyce died in his sleep "due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated".[2][29] An autopsy was performed, but release of a cause of death was deferred pending further investigation.[30] On July 9, 2019, Boyce's family confirmed that his death was caused by an epileptic seizure and that Boyce had previously been diagnosed with epilepsy.[31] The autopsy results were released by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner on July 30, 2019, confirming Boyce's cause of death was due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.[32] His body was cremated and his ashes returned to his family.[33]

Philanthropy

In the span of 40 days in 2017, Boyce helped raise over $27,000 for the Thirst Project, which helps bring clean water to underdeveloped countries.[34] In September 2019, Thirst Project officially changed the name of the Pioneering Spirit Award to the Cameron Boyce Pioneering Spirit Award, to honor his work with the organization.[35]

He also supported United Way of America's initiative to end homelessness. He helped raise money for the HomeWalk in 2015, and continued to do so up until the end of his life.[36] In May 2019, he participated in the opening ceremony of the 12th annual HomeWalk in downtown Los Angeles, one of the largest public events to end homelessness in the United States.[37]

Boyce also worked closely with It's On Us, a social movement created to raise awareness and fight against sexual assault on college campuses for both men and women.[38]

He also worked with the Lucstrong Foundation, which provides grants to families with children who are diagnosed with sickle cell disease and are going through the bone marrow transplant process.[39]

His final humanitarian project was called Wielding Peace, a social media campaign in conjunction with Delaney Tarr, co-founder of March for Our Lives. In Boyce's own words, the campaign would "help fight against gun violence by showing celebrities and survivors 'wielding' a new kind of weapon — one of unity."[40]

The Cameron Boyce Foundation

Following Boyce's death in 2019, The Cameron Boyce Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was founded in Los Angeles through Network for Good that provides young people artistic and creative outlets as alternatives to violence and negativity and uses resources and philanthropy for positive change in the world.[41]

On July 25, 2019, the foundation disclosed the first project to be carried out was Wielding Peace, which officially launched on August 16, 2019.[42][43] The foundation later donated $8,000 to Thirst Project to build a well in Uganda.[44]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2008 Mirrors Michael Carson [14]
2008 Eagle Eye Sam Holloman [14]
2010 Grown Ups Keithie Feder [14]
2011 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer Hunter [14]
2013 Grown Ups 2 Keithie Feder [14]
2020 Showbiz Kids Himself Documentary; posthumous release [26]
2020 Runt Cal Posthumous release [45][46]

Television
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2008 General Hospital: Night Shift Michael "Stone" Cates, Jr. Recurring role [13]
2011 Good Luck Charlie Fake Gabe Duncan Episode: "The Singin' Dancin' Duncans" [14]
2011 Shake It Up Lil Highlighter Dancer Episode: "Throw It Up" [14]
2011–2015 Jessie Luke Ross Main role [14]
2012–2014 Jake and the Never Land Pirates Jake Main voice role (seasons 2–3) [13]
2014 Ultimate Spider-Man Luke Ross Voice role; episode: "Halloween Night at the Museum" [13]
2015–2017 Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything Conor Lead role [14]
2015 Liv and Maddie Krahgg Episode: "Prom-a-Rooney" [13]
2015 Descendants Carlos Television film [14]
2015–2017 Descendants: Wicked World Carlos Television shorts; main voice role [13]
2016 Bunk'd Luke Ross Episodes: "Luke's Back", "Luke Out Below" [13]
2016 Code Black Brody Episode: "Love Hurts" [13]
2017 Descendants 2 Carlos Television film [14]
2017 Spider-Man Shocker / Herman Schultz Voice role; episode: "Osborn Academy" [47]
2019 Descendants 3 Carlos Television film; posthumous release [14]
2019 Wicked Woods: A Descendants Halloween Story Carlos Television short; posthumous release [48]
2019 Mrs. Fletcher Zach 5 episodes; posthumous release [14]
2021 Paradise City Simon Ostergaard 8 episodes; posthumous release [45]

Video games and web series
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2010 Just Dance Kids Coach and background dancer Video game
2010 The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers Young Jasper Web series; episode: "Origins" [13]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2012 Young Artist Award Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer Won [49]
2017 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Promotional Announcement Timeless Heroes – Be Inspired Won [50]
2018 Pioneering Spirit Award Inspirational efforts to support the fight against the world's water crisis Thirst Project Won [51]

References
  1. "Cameron Boyce, Disney Channel Star, Dies at 20". The New York Times. The Associated Press. July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  2. Mark Osborne; Bill Hutchinson (July 7, 2019). "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dies at 20". ABC News. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  3. Cameron Boyce (May 28, 2019). "Here I am abusing birthday privileges and not placing any value on how many times we revolve around the sun!!!!! Thanks for the birthday wishes, sending love back to everyone sending it to me today ❤️". Retrieved July 7, 2019 – via Instagram.
  4. Cameron Boyce Loves Fifth Harmony, Talks Hit Show Jessie & Looking for a GF!. PacificRimVideoPress. April 30, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2019 – via YouTube.
  5. "Cameron Boyce Talks Descendants 2, Biracialism & His Sister's First Boyfriend". RAW Pages. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  6. Caitlin Keating (February 11, 2016). "Black History Month: Clinton 12, Jo Ann and Cameron Boyce". People. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  7. Farah Andrews (July 7, 2019). "Actor Cameron Boyce Dies, Aged 20". The National. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  8. Cameron Boyce (May 14, 2019). "Now that we're officially roommates, I am officially Schmidt". Retrieved July 12, 2019 – via Instagram.
  9. "Bios". Walt Disney Television Press. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  10. Kathryn Shattuck (August 12, 2008). "What's on Tonight?". The New York Times. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  11. John P. Meyer (August 16, 2008). "Movie Review: Mirrors". Pegasus News. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  12. Jane Horwitz (October 3, 2008). "Family Filmgoer". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  13. "Cameron Boyce List of Movies and TV Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  14. Rebecca Rubin (July 7, 2019). "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dies at 20". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  15. 'Macy's Stars of Dance - Royal Wedding. Codebear2. December 28, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Dailymotion.
  16. "Cameron Boyce Credits". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  17. "Disney's New Show Jessie Casting Starring Roles". New Faces. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  18. An Exclusive Interview with Cameron Boyce from Jessie. Pop Culture Passionistas. September 28, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2019 – via YouTube.
  19. Denise Petski (March 20, 2018). "Steps: Julie Hagerty & Cameron Boyce Cast in ABC Comedy Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  20. Amanda N'Duka (July 23, 2018). "Descendants Star Cameron Boyce to Topline Runt Indie Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  21. Nellie Andreeva (January 17, 2019). "Descendants Star Cameron Boyce Joins HBO Comedy Series Mrs. Fletcher". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  22. Cameron Boyce (April 10, 2019). "@hozier's new video "Almost (Sweet Music)" drops April 16th! Big thanks to Andrew and his team for trusting @christinefl0res and I to cook up something cute. Creating for an artist you look up to is a crazy feeling. Thanks for the opportunity @hozier and @_blythethomas !! s/o to @scott.mov you're the bomb.com". Retrieved September 15, 2019 – via Instagram.
  23. Columbia Records [@ColumbiaRecords] (July 8, 2019). "Rest well, Cameron. 'Almost (Sweet Music)' by @Hozier – dance choreographed by Cameron Boyce and Christine Flores" (Tweet). Retrieved September 15, 2019 – via Twitter.
  24. "About Cameron". The Cameron Boyce Foundation. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  25. "Archives from Cameron Boyce". Retrieved September 16, 2019 – via Instagram.
  26. Erin Jensen (July 13, 2020). "HBO documentary 'Showbiz Kids' depicts dark side of childhood fame, from abuse to self-doubt". USA Today. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  27. "Adam Sandler Pays Tribute to Cameron Boyce in 'Hubie Halloween'". www.yahoo.com.
  28. "Cause and Manner of Death Determined for Cameron Boyce". Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. July 30, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  29. Amy Forliti (July 7, 2019). "Actor Cameron Boyce Dies at Age 20". Associated Press. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  30. Cydney Henderson (July 8, 2019). "Disney Star Cameron Boyce's Cause of Death Is Deferred "Pending Further Investigation"". USA Today. Retrieved July 9, 2019. Public Information Officer Sarah Ardalani said that the actor's cause of death has been deferred "pending further investigation" after an autopsy was completed Monday.
  31. McKenna Aiello (July 9, 2019). "Cameron Boyce's Family Confirms He Had Epilepsy as They Make "Agonizing" Funeral Plans". E! News. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  32. "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Suffered 'Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy'". KABC-TV. July 30, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  33. Natalie Stone (July 16, 2019). "Disney Star Cameron Boyce Was Cremated, Death Certificate Reveals". People. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  34. Gabe Bergado (October 20, 2017). "Cameron Boyce on Descendants, Diversity in Hollywood, and Growing Up". Teen Vogue. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  35. @ThirstProject (September 29, 2019). "The Cameron Boyce Pioneering Spirit Award will keep him in our memories forever. It's an honor to present @MiniLaddd with this inaugural award 💙 #ThirstGala💧" (Tweet). Retrieved September 29, 2019 – via Twitter.
  36. Cameron Boyce (October 31, 2014). "First 5 people to raise $500 or more, will get a PERSONAL SHOUTOUT! Make sure you go to unitedwayla.org/homewalk/ and donate to #TeamCameron thanks guys!!! #Homewalk". Retrieved July 11, 2019 – via Instagram.
  37. "12th Annual HomeWalk Raises $1.1 Million". The Los Angeles Independent. May 23, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  38. itsonus (July 7, 2019). "Cameron Boyce was a friend to It's On Us and a strong supporter of the movement to stop campus violence. We are heartbroken to hear he is no longer with us. Sending our love to his family. ❤️". Retrieved July 16, 2019 – via Instagram.
  39. Boyce Cameron Boyce team. "Cameron did charity work unfortunately The Lucstrong Foundation was one very few people knew/know about.. By playing Kick Ball with a bunch of kind hearted people to help a people going through a tough time with Sickle Cell Disease♥️ with is a type of Blood Disorder!". Retrieved August 19, 2019 – via Facebook.
  40. Jodi Guglielmi (July 11, 2019). "Cameron Boyce's Loved Ones Plan to "Uphold His Legacy" by Launching Social Media Campaign". MSN. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  41. Denise Grady (July 10, 2019). "How Cameron Boyce's Epilepsy May Have Caused His Death at 20". The New York Times. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  42. The Cameron Boyce Foundation (July 25, 2019). "@wieldingpeace will be the first funded project by The Cameron Boyce Foundation. Together we will stand to create peace and keep Cameron's legacy alive. Launch date coming soon..." Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Instagram.
  43. The Cameron Boyce Foundation (August 15, 2019). "@wieldingpeace will be the first funded project for The Cameron Boyce Foundation and will launch tomorrow! Please follow @wieldingpeace and visit our website to learn more about our mission to end gun violence. [...]". Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Instagram.
  44. The Cameron Boyce Foundation (September 29, 2019). "Yesterday, Cameron was honored at the tenth annual Thirst Gala where the award that he received last year was renamed The Cameron Boyce Pioneering Spirit Award. In his speech that he gave just over a year ago, he urged us all to use our resources to help people who need us. We are proud to announce that The Cameron Boyce Foundation has donated $8,000 to Thirst Project to build a well in Uganda. Because of the outpouring of love, and support and generous donations you have given us we are able to carry on the work that Cameron leaves behind. We look forward to continuing to support Thirst Project in their fight to end the global water crisis, and all of the many causes that were important to Cameron. #LiveLikeCameron #LoveLikeCameron#AffectLikeCameron". Retrieved September 29, 2019 – via Instagram.
  45. Nellie Andreeva (July 7, 2019). "Cameron Boyce: The Projects the Young Star Left Behind". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  46. Bruce Haring (May 2, 2020). "'Paradise City' Trailer Showcases The Late Cameron Boyce In His Final Project". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  47. BTS with Cameron Boyce on a New Episode of Marvel's Spider-Man. Marvel Entertainment. August 25, 2017. Retrieved September 15, 2019 – via YouTube.
  48. "October 2019 Programming Highlights for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior". Walt Disney Television Press. September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2019.
  49. "33rd Annual Young Artist Awards – Nominations". Young Artist Awards. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  50. Juli Schafer (October 10, 2017). "The Rise of a Child Actor". Television Academy. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  51. Jordyn Tilchen (July 8, 2019). "Cameron Boyce Wanted to Show People a 'Blueprint' of How to Give Back". MTV News. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
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