TNT’s crime drama Rizolli & Isles bid adieu to the late Lee Thompson Young in its latest season. The actor, who was 29 years old, was found to be dead, in the month of August 2013. He was discovered in his apartment in North Hollywood and is suspected to have died from a suicide. His family admits that the actor had been struggling with a bipolar disorder right from the time he was in his late teens. After maintaining silence for nearly a year after the actor’s death, the family has now come out to open up about Young’s tragic life. They have launched a foundation that goes by Young’s name to dissolve the general stigma that people associate with mental illnesses.
Young as Barry Frost
The leading actor portrayed the role of Barry Frost, a detective in the series. Following the actor’s death, the show makers had announced that they would address his death in the upcoming season. The cast of the franchise refrained from live-tweeting the episode during its fourth season finale, which Jan Nash, the executive producer, explained was a move to show their respect to Lee Thompson Young, their beloved colleague. Another actor from the crime drama, Sasha Alexander, says that Warner Bros. and TNT have been extremely courageous in handling the actor’s death. Janet Tamaro, one of the show’s creators even offered a heartwarming statement, following the actor’s death. Alexander admits that Young is dearly missed on the shooting sets. The franchise has not looked for a replacement to step into the shoes of Young for the series, and is not planning on looking for someone new anytime soon, adds Alexander. The rest of the actors have been struggling watching Young’s empty seat every day, she reveals on a sadder note.
Frost’s death in the series
The latest season shows Frost’s colleagues being informed of his death that occurs during an accident. The episode that is to follow in the coming week, will show a memorial service being performed in honor of Frost. Alexander says that they had a tough time shooting for the episode. Although, it will give Young’s fans a closure so they can heal from his grievous death, she explains. Young began his stint at acting when he was just 12 years old, to be signed by his first talent agency. Friends, family and fans continue paying tribute to the actor.