Adam Sandler, Disney Channel Stars & More React to Death of Cameron Boyce: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
Costars and collaborators of Cameron Boyce are mourning the loss of the 20-year-old Disney Channel star following news of his death on Saturday.
The Descendants actor died in his sleep of a seizure brought on by an “ongoing medical condition,” a family spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News. Soon after, a flood of tributes from stars like Adam Sandler, Gregg Sulkin and more were shared on social media.
“Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around. Loved that kid,” Sandler wrote on Instagram of Boyce, who played his son Keithie in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2.
“Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences,” Sandler said.
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Actress Peyton List, who played Boyce’s sibling on Jessie, mourned his death in a heartbreaking Instagram post. “He was younger than me but taught me how to spread love and kindness more than anyone that has ever been in my life,” she wrote.
“There is a hole in my heart that will never heal left for you. I will never stop talking about you,” she added.
They take them from us so soon 💔 I love u little bro u cute little weirdo. So weird ur gone...now there’s just emptiness 💔💔💔💔💔💔
— BITCHIMBELLATHORNE (@bellathorne) July 7, 2019
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Sulkin, who also got his start on the Disney Channel, wrote on Twitter that he regretted not sending a message to Boyce letting him know that he wanted them to spend more time together.
“Now I wish I had sent that message. Just so he personally knew how highly I thought of him and how much admiration I had for him,” Sulkin wrote. “My heart goes out to his family & his close friends. Cameron, you were and still are a star. May god bless you in heaven. You will be missed down here.”
Boyce also received tributes from his Jessie costars Skai Jackson and Charles Esten, who played his sister and father, respectively.
Heartbroken. Lost for words. I had known Cameron Boyce for many years. He was always polite. Always respectful and always a class act. In fact I was going to message him a couple weeks ago to tell him that I wanted to be in each other’s lives more.
— Gregg Sulkin (@greggsulkin) July 7, 2019
Now I wish I had sent that message. Just so he personally knew how highly I thought of him and how much admiration I had for him. My heart goes out to his family & his close friends. Cameron, you were and still are a star. May god bless you in heaven. You will be missed down here
— Gregg Sulkin (@greggsulkin) July 7, 2019
RELATED: Disney Channel Star Cameron Boyce Dies at 20
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Jackson, who played his younger sister Zuri, shared an emotional slideshow of photos to Instagram that showed the pair together over the years, including as children on the Jessie set.
“I don’t even know where to start… I am at a loss for words. I never thought in a million years I would be writing this,” she captioned the post. “Cam, you were one of a kind. My heart will be forever broken. I am so happy that I got to spend almost everyday with you on set, you gave the best hugs… Thank you so much for being the big brother I never had… I am so distraught and I cannot stop crying!”
Esten, meanwhile, remembered his on-screen son with a lengthy Twitter thread that recalled the years he knew Boyce from when he attended elementary school with Esten’s children.
It was there we were introduced to his endless talent, kindness, and joy for living. At his very 1st talent show, little Cameron’s dancing lit up the stage, and left everyone on their feet, cheering . It was clear to all that he was destined to be the star he would soon become./2
— Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) July 7, 2019
It was a joy to work with him on JESSIE, as it was with all the wonderful young stars of that beloved show. They were as close as actual brothers and sisters to one another, and still are, and my heart breaks for them today. /4
— Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) July 7, 2019
“It was there we were introduced to his endless talent, kindness, and joy for living. At his very 1st talent show, little Cameron’s dancing lit up the stage, and left everyone on their feet, cheering. It was clear to all that he was destined to be the star he would soon become,” Esten wrote.
“And yet, Cameron never carried himself with anything but kindness, humility, effortless grace, and great humor. Even as his star ascended with JESSIE, and he began to receive the type of fame that can change people, I never saw that change. Not even a little,” he continued.
Descendants director Kenny Ortega also remembered the star on Instagram, writing, “My Love, Light and Prayers go out to Cameron and his Family. Cameron brought Love, Laughter and Compassion with him everyday I was in his presence. His talent, immeasurable. His kindness and generosity, overflowing. It has been an indescribable honor and pleasure to know and work with him. I will see you again in all things loving and beautiful my friend. I will search the stars for your light. Rest In Peace Cam. You will always be My Forever Boy! 💔”
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The tributes extended into the music world, too, including from Irish singer Hozier.
Boyce appeared in his music video for “Almost (Sweet Music)” back in April.
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Cameron Boyce. When we met I was taken aback by his energy and drive, his dedication to his craft and the sheer kindness he exuded. It was a joy to witness the man's skill. Sending love to his family and loved ones.
— Hozier (@Hozier) July 7, 2019
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Cameron Boyce. When we met I was taken aback by his energy and drive, his dedication to his craft and the sheer kindness he exuded,” Hozier wrote on Twitter. “It was a joy to witness the man’s skill. Sending love to his family and loved ones.”
let this be a reminder that life is too short to spread ANYTHING besides love and joy. cameron was 20. far too young. and he put a lot of good out into the world. do the same.
— rachel zegler (@rachelzegler) July 7, 2019
Every time I’d see him, hearing something new about the channel, what it meant to be a part of it, and how to navigate the weird world of the job we shared, Cameron always had love to share, but also understanding.
— joshua rush (@JoshuaRush) July 7, 2019
The Walt Disney Company mourns the loss of #CameronBoyce, who was a friend to so many of us, and filled with so much talent, heart and life, and far too young to die. Our prayers go out to his family and his friends.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) July 7, 2019
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The Los Angeles-born Boyce was best known for his role as Cruella de Vil’s son in the Descendants TV movies, and as Luke Ross on Jessie, which ran for four seasons on Disney Channel and starred Debby Ryan.
“He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated. The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him,” a family spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
“We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.“