Cameron Boyce

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Cameron Boyce
Boyce in 2017
Born
Cameron Mica Boyce

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

Cameron Mica Boyce[1] (May 28, 1999 – July 6, 2019) was an American actor. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in the 2008 films Mirrors and Eagle Eye, along with the comedy film Grown Ups (2010) and its 2013 sequel. His first starring role was on the Disney Channel comedy series Jessie (2011–2015).

Continuing to work with Disney, Boyce achieved further prominence as Carlos, one of the title characters in the musical fantasy Descendants film franchise. He appeared in all three television films from 2015 to 2019, in addition to various spin-off media. He also starred in the titular role of Jake in the second and third seasons of the Disney Junior series Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2012–2014). Boyce was featured as the lead of Disney XD comedy series Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything (2015–2017).

Ahead of the Descendants 3 premiere in 2019, Boyce died at the age of 20 due to complications from epilepsy. Posthumously, he headlined the thriller film Runt (2020) and was a series regular on the Amazon Prime Video supernatural thriller Paradise City (2021).

Early and personal life[edit]

Boyce was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 28, 1999.[2][3] Boyce was born to an African-American father, Victor Boyce and a Jewish mother, Libby Boyce.[4][5][6][7][excessive citations] His paternal grandmother, Jo Ann Boyce (née Allen), 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.[8] His paternal grandfather was from the Caribbean.[6]

Boyce lived in the Los Angeles area with his parents and his younger sister,[9] until he moved in with former co-stars Karan Brar and Sophie Reynolds in May 2019.[10] 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".[11]

Career[edit]

Boyce in 2011

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.[12] 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.[13][14]

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.[15]

In April 2011, Boyce made a guest appearance on Disney Channel's comedy series Good Luck Charlie,[16] and later that month he was one of the featured dancers in a royal wedding tribute on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.[17] 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.[16] In August 2011, he was one of the featured dancers on Disney Channel's comedy series Shake It Up.[16] In September 2011, Boyce was cast in the starring role of Luke Ross on Disney Channel's comedy series Jessie.[18] 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.[19][20]

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,[21] and was also cast in the indie film Runt, in the role of Cal.[22]

In January 2019, Boyce had joined the cast of HBO's Mrs. Fletcher.[23] In April 2019, Boyce performed in the music video for "Almost (Sweet Music)" by Hozier.[24] He choreographed the dance with dancer Christine Flores, who appeared in the video alongside him.[25] 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.[26]

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.[27] Just prior to his death, Boyce was to begin production with Sandler on a new project.[28] 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."[29]

Death[edit]

On July 6, 2019, Boyce, aged 20, was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles, California. Authorities were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.[30] 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][31] An autopsy was performed, but release of a cause of death was deferred pending further investigation.[32] On July 9, 2019, Boyce's family confirmed that his death was caused by an epileptic seizure and that Boyce was previously diagnosed with epilepsy.[33] 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.[34] His body was cremated, and his ashes were returned to his family.[35]

Philanthropy and legacy[edit]

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.[36] 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.[37]

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.[38] 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.[39]

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.[40]

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.[41]

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."[42]

The Cameron Boyce Foundation[edit]

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.[43]

On July 25, 2019, the foundation disclosed the first project to be carried out was Wielding Peace, which officially launched on August 16, 2019.[44][45] The foundation later donated $8,000 to Thirst Project to build a well in Uganda.[46]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2008 Mirrors Michael Carson [16]
2008 Eagle Eye Sam Holloman [16]
2010 Grown Ups Keithie Feder [16]
2011 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer Hunter [16]
2013 Grown Ups 2 Keithie Feder [16]
2020 Showbiz Kids Himself Documentary; posthumous release [27]
2020 Runt Cal Posthumous release [47][48]

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2008 General Hospital: Night Shift Michael "Stone" Cates, Jr. Recurring role [15]
2009 The 7th Annual TV Land Awards Jimmy [49]
2011 Good Luck Charlie Fake Gabe Duncan Episode: "The Singin' Dancin' Duncans" [16]
2011 Shake It Up Lil Highlighter Dancer Episode: "Throw It Up" [16]
2011–2015 Jessie Luke Ross Main role [16]
2012–2014 Jake and the Never Land Pirates Jake Main voice role (seasons 2–3) [15]
2014 Ultimate Spider-Man Luke Ross Voice role; episode: "Halloween Night at the Museum" [15]
2015–2017 Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything Conor Lead role [16]
2015 Liv and Maddie Krahgg Episode: "Prom-a-Rooney" [15]
2015 Descendants Carlos Television film [16]
2015–2017 Descendants: Wicked World Carlos Television shorts; main voice role [15]
2016 Bunk'd Luke Ross Episodes: "Luke's Back", "Luke Out Below" [15]
2016 Code Black Brody Episode: "Love Hurts" [15]
2017 Descendants 2 Carlos Television film [16]
2017 Spider-Man Shocker / Herman Schultz Voice role; episode: "Osborn Academy" [50]
2019 Descendants 3 Carlos Television film; posthumous release [16]
2019 Wicked Woods: A Descendants Halloween Story Carlos Television short; posthumous release [51]
2019 Mrs. Fletcher Zach 5 episodes; posthumous release [16]
2021 Paradise City Simon Ostergaard 8 episodes; posthumous release [47]

Video games and web series[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2010 Just Dance Kids Coach and background dancer Video game [citation needed]
2010 The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers Young Jasper Web series; episode: "Origins" [15]

Awards and nominations[edit]

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 [52]
2017 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Promotional Announcement Timeless Heroes – Be Inspired Won [53]
2018 Pioneering Spirit Award Inspirational efforts to support the fight against the world's water crisis Thirst Project Won [54]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Cameron Boyce, Disney Channel Star, Dies at 20". The New York Times. July 7, 2019. Archived from the original on November 14, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Mark Osborne; Bill Hutchinson (July 7, 2019). "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dies at 20". ABC News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. 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 ❤️". Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019 – via Instagram.
  4. ^ "Cameron Boyce Said He Hoped to Lead by Example on 'What It Means to Give Back' in Interview". PEOPLE.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  5. ^ Lisa Respers France (July 8, 2019). "Cameron Boyce's last interview paid tribute to his African-American heritage". CNN. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "'Descendants' Actor Cameron Boyce Dead At 20". Essence. October 23, 2020. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  7. ^ "He was Disney's next big star but died at 20. His parents want you to know why". The Independent. January 4, 2022. Archived from the original on May 18, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  8. ^ Caitlin Keating (February 11, 2016). "Black History Month: Clinton 12, Jo Ann and Cameron Boyce". People. Archived from the original on December 26, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  9. ^ Farah Andrews (July 7, 2019). "Actor Cameron Boyce Dies, Aged 20". The National. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  10. ^ Cameron Boyce (May 14, 2019). "Now that we're officially roommates, I am officially Schmidt". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2019 – via Instagram.
  11. ^ "Disney star, professional break dancer and activist: Cameron Boyce is carving his own path". Hero. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  12. ^ Kathryn Shattuck (August 12, 2008). "What's on Tonight?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  13. ^ John P. Meyer (August 16, 2008). "Movie Review: Mirrors". Pegasus News. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  14. ^ Jane Horwitz (October 3, 2008). "Family Filmgoer". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
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  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Rebecca Rubin (July 7, 2019). "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dies at 20". Variety. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  17. ^ 'Macy's Stars of Dance – Royal Wedding. Codebear2. December 28, 2014. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Dailymotion.
  18. ^ "Cameron Boyce Credits". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  19. ^ "Disney's New Show Jessie Casting Starring Roles". New Faces. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  20. ^ An Exclusive Interview with Cameron Boyce from Jessie. Pop Culture Passionistas. September 28, 2011. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2019 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ Denise Petski (March 20, 2018). "Steps: Julie Hagerty & Cameron Boyce Cast in ABC Comedy Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  22. ^ Amanda N'Duka (July 23, 2018). "Descendants Star Cameron Boyce to Topline Runt Indie Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  23. ^ Nellie Andreeva (January 17, 2019). "Descendants Star Cameron Boyce Joins HBO Comedy Series Mrs. Fletcher". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  24. ^ 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". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2019 – via Instagram.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ "Archives from Cameron Boyce". Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved September 16, 2019 – via Instagram.
  27. ^ a b Erin Jensen (July 13, 2020). "HBO documentary 'Showbiz Kids' depicts dark side of childhood fame, from abuse to self-doubt". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  28. ^ "About Cameron". The Cameron Boyce Foundation. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  29. ^ "Adam Sandler Pays Tribute to Cameron Boyce in 'Hubie Halloween'". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  30. ^ "Cause and Manner of Death Determined for Cameron Boyce". Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. July 30, 2019. Archived from the original on September 15, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  31. ^ Forliti, Amy (July 7, 2019). "Actor Cameron Boyce Dies at Age 20". Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  32. ^ Henderson, Cydney (July 8, 2019). "Disney Star Cameron Boyce's Cause of Death Is Deferred "Pending Further Investigation"". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 9, 2019. 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.
  33. ^ Aiello, McKenna (July 9, 2019). "Cameron Boyce's Family Confirms He Had Epilepsy as They Make "Agonizing" Funeral Plans". E! News. Archived from the original on July 10, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  34. ^ "Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Suffered 'Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy'". KABC-TV. July 30, 2019. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  35. ^ Stone, Natalie (July 16, 2019). "Disney Star Cameron Boyce Was Cremated, Death Certificate Reveals". People. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  36. ^ Bergado, Gabe (October 20, 2017). "Cameron Boyce on Descendants, Diversity in Hollywood, and Growing Up". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  37. ^ @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.
  38. ^ 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". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2019 – via Instagram.
  39. ^ "12th Annual HomeWalk Raises $1.1 Million". The Los Angeles Independent. May 23, 2019. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  40. ^ 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. ❤️". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2019 – via Instagram.
  41. ^ 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!". Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2019 – via Facebook.
  42. ^ Guglielmi, Jodi (July 11, 2019). "Cameron Boyce's Loved Ones Plan to "Uphold His Legacy" by Launching Social Media Campaign". MSN. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  43. ^ Grady, Denise (July 10, 2019). "How Cameron Boyce's Epilepsy May Have Caused His Death at 20". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  44. ^ 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..." Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Instagram.
  45. ^ 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. [...]". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2019 – via Instagram.
  46. ^ 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". Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2019 – via Instagram.
  47. ^ a b Nellie Andreeva (July 7, 2019). "Cameron Boyce: The Projects the Young Star Left Behind". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  48. ^ Bruce Haring (May 2, 2020). "'Paradise City' Trailer Showcases The Late Cameron Boyce In His Final Project". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  49. ^ Tellalian, Gary (producer) (April 26, 2009). 2009 TV Land Awards Pop Culture Award—Sid & Marty Krofft Tribute (television clip). Vimeo. Event occurs at 9:30. 473361162. Archived from the original on April 3, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  50. ^ BTS with Cameron Boyce on a New Episode of Marvel's Spider-Man. Marvel Entertainment. August 25, 2017. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2019 – via YouTube.
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  54. ^ Jordyn Tilchen (July 8, 2019). "Cameron Boyce Wanted to Show People a 'Blueprint' of How to Give Back". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2019.

External links[edit]