Jonathan Brandis DOA
Is anyone aware that Jonathan Brandis died?
For the few out there that have no clue who he is at first mention of the name, he was one of the teenage heart-throbs of the early 1990’s. He was a guy who was coveted for TV and movie roles – a tee4n that was coveted for those roles at least – and he was someone who got the BOP covers and stuff like that.
Well, Jonathan is dead.
It came as a shock for me to see this bit of news. I had been wondering whatever happened to him and things like that – he had starred with Rodney Dangerfield in Ladybugs, had some NBC adventures in Seaquest DSV but basically disappeared once he reached that peculiar age of being a teen and a young adult. You know, sort of like Macaulay Culkin and how he disappeared for a bunch of years and stuff like that.
But Brandis, though I haven’t cared to look up details on anything about him since his Seaquest Days, was so down on life that he committed suicide or was believed to have committed suicide which ended his life the week before at the age of 27.
I don’t know why I get chills thinking about that, or why I am so disturbed by this, I guess it’s to see a part of my childhood end his life tragically like this, and with barely any acknowledgment that just…. bothers me. He was bigger than a brief mention in Entertainment Weekly, though he could be poster boy for queer from what anyone growing up around you would tell you… he just looked too pretty boy to believe… but he was the It boy and… Well, I salute him here — Rest in Peace Jonathan. You did have some fans out there and they will not forget you.
**UPDATE** 4-09-04
I’d like to point site visitors to http://jonathanbrandis.org/ I am not sure if they are officially tied to Brandis but it sure as hell looks official while my little rag tag blog has nothing to do with Jonathan besides being a fan who spoke out on Brandis’ death while the media overlooked it
I had really big crush on him as a kid. Looking back I thought he was gonna make it big. I’ll miss you Johnathon.
I agree with you Josei… It just hurts to think about it — things turning out so poorly for him in one aspect or another that he would be pushed to hang himself like he did.
He was cool. I didn’t give him the props that he deserved even though I tried to convey it when I stated it…
There have been hundreds of these guys who have come on the scene, had there time and then phased out… It always hurts when you hear about them going out like this. Especially guys like Jonathan who did have something to offer, who didn’t have everything go his way but then again still held appeal with those who he did reach…
I didn’t really know that Jonathan Brandis was dead until when I had just brought this TV Guide magazine honoring all of the good and bad things that had happened in 2003 and when I had turned onto this article about the people who will be missed..I were extremely shocked to see Jonathan Brandis’s name listed among those. As a little girl, I had this huge crush on him and still do to this day and was wondering what have he been up to. Its such a great loss for every one of us out there who had remembered him all through his years in Television and movies…”Seaquest DSV” was my personal favorite…and I feel for his parents and for those who he had left behind. Hope for the best for everyone who goes through this sad thing.
I just found out today, January 4, 2004, that Jonathan passed away. It was a shock to me that he killed himself. He had so much going for him. I’m also a big fan of his and will miss him dearly.
I live in Australia, and obviously Jonathan Brandis wasn’t exactly the biggest thing over here, I mean I’ve only heard of him because of the brief screenings of Seaquest DSV on tv back when i was 7. Despite that, he was the first celebrity crush i ever had, and to hear that he is gone is quite heartbreaking. I grew up thinking he was absolutley gorgeous, i even remember my older brother teasing me for sitting glued to the secreen every time he came on.
Well, I’m truely sorry to hear about his death, he was such a talented actor and this is such a great loss. He was loved by many of us, and shall be missed by many more
Do somewone knows what happend to Jonathan? Why he hang himself?
I found out on December 31 that since November Jonathan had past away. I shocked to read that. What’s even more shocking is that there was no acknowledgement of it in any entertainment news programs… I had to google his name to find out more and i found out that i wasn’t the only one affected by the news. There are so many questions gone unanswered? Were there signs? Could it have been prevented? So many questions….
And to think it’s been ten years since “SeaQuest DSV”… A part of my childhood has gone with his passing.
I feel for his parents and the people he has left behind. Words can not express what i feel… Mr. & Mrs. Brandis you have my deepest sympathies.
Hello, my name is Renata and I´m 23. I´m from the Czech republic. I know about Jonathan´s death just few days, from 30th December. I learned about it by accident when I looked at http://www.imdb.com. And my first feelings? Suffering, mourning… I was in shock, it was like thunderstruck. My God, I still can´t believe it. I loved him when I was younger…
Now I can feel just passion. Nobody has the right to commit suicide. To my opinion, there are no serious reasons, that should leed anybody to sucide. Could anybody answer my question? Why do people commit sucides?
Anyway, I hope Jonathan is in better place now and he is fine, at last….
i live in england and was also a huge jon brandis fan.he isn’t at all well known here either but i was always into american shows from a young age and really liked his work.i found out about his death just before the years end in the natioonal enquirer’s list of year deaths.i actually thought it was some sort of error!but sadly the internet proved me wrong when i looked up the info.i’m shocked that his death was totally overlooked when the enquirer prints so much other junk!my heart goes out to his parents,friends and fans all over the globe.we’ll never know what did this but may he find peace now…
I just heard about his dead today when I was at work. I’m from Holland and I loved Jonathan from the age of 11 and I watched IT over and over again. I just thought he was so unbelievable handsome..like an angel and I thought ” How can a young person act so convincely in a movie?” He had such a talent..unbelievable…and now he’s gone. I cried when I read the stories his fans send in, how they met him in real life and adored him. You will not be forgotten dear Jonathan.
I honestly didn’t even realize Jonathan was in IT up until your post, Jennifer….
The only thing that keeps repeating in everyone’s message on here is how shocked they are with Jonathan’s death… There was nothing new with regards to what happened when I recently searched news.google.com…
The world really lost a talent – albeit an enigma — when Jon ended his life prematurely.
We won’t have the answers to what happened until the media decides to give a care and explore it.
Wow, ‘IT’ is like the coolest movie EVER!!! And he had a huge part in that. I’m surprised you didn’t know he was in that, John F. Actually, so was John Ritter who also sadly passed away. Jonathan Brandis could’ve been huge, if Hollywood would just give him a chance. He auditioned for the roll of Annikin Skywalker in ‘The Attack of the Clones’ , but was beat out by Hayden Christansen (sorry if the spelling’s worng). I had a huge crush on Jonathan Brandis. Even though I didn’t know him, I will always miss him.
I had no idea that he died until now…what a shocker. He was my dream man! My bestfriend and I used to wonder which of us he would date…and there was a look alike that went to our high school that we used to drool over because we imagined he was Johnathon.
We will Miss ya Johnathon!
R.I.P!
I am from Guatemala. I already knew about Jonathan´s dead today. Is really sad because he had much to give in this life. But I just hope that wherever he is now he finds peace.
I found out Jonathan had passed through the grapevine but I am proud to say to all the fans that he was recognized this evening, February 22nd by his peers. He was mentioned alongside Bob Hope and many others in the “In Memorium” part of the SAG (screen actors guild) awards. It was nice to finally see that he gets the fond farewell he so deserves…he was an asset to his field and will be sorely missed.
I loved the movie ladybugs growing up and I had the biggest crush on Johnathan even if he was playing a girl in that movie:) I also really liked him in the movie with Chuck Norris. I just finished watching the screen actors guild awards and saw Johnathan on there as one of the many celeberties who have passed this year. I am real big on celeberties and this is the first thing I have heard about it. I am in shock and may he rest in Peace. If we can hear about crazy Britney Spears stories and J-Lo and Ben stories all day why not something important about someone else who deserves credit and recognition for bringing us positive entertainment in his past films and shows. God Bless!!
I just finished watching the Screen Actors Guild Awards and learned that Jonathan Brandis passed away last year. I couldn’t quite believe it, since I had not heard/read any news of the incident until tonight. I thougt that he may have been ill or been in an accident, but I’ve just been reading online that he commited suicide. That’s just such shocking and sad news, and another reminder to all of us to reach out to those close to us and really devote time to relationships that are dear to us. This is hitting close to home as a very close childhood friend of mine also commited suicide last year. I’ve been a huge fan of Jonathan Brandis ever since the 1st time I watched the Neverending Story II as a kid, and of course became a huge fan of Seaquest of his role. I believed and still feel that he was a very talented, funny, good looking actor with a long career ahead of him. My condolescences go out to his family and friends.
Jonathon was my first actor crush. He was all i ever thought about when he appeared on screen for the first time in Austalia on Seaquest DSV, in the middle of the 90’s. Strange that someone i thought so highly of- adored for the better part of my childhood- was in the memorial tribute on the Screen Actors Guild Awards today when it aired.
I was shocked, almost in tears. To not of heard from him these last couple of years, then finding his picture on the awards was a heartbreak of something i thought i had longed lost. Im sure like most which have posted, He represented the good in our childhoods. The one we could rely on every week to known in our small imaginations that he was our prince charming.
So to anyone who knew him well, or so highly loved that he was a part in our past i say “We will miss you”.
Thank you for letting the child in most of us to love you, respect you, and forever miss you.
I just found out that Jon Brandis was dead. I was watching the Screen Actors Guild awards last night and when they did the memorials of those who passed away in the past year. I was floored, I mean really. I just sat there for a minute in disbelief. I could not believe that I have not heard anything until 4 months after his death.
That is so very sad to me. There should have been much more coverage on his death than there was. The media was all over him in his late teens. I feel they owed it too him. How terrible.
I was watching the Screen Actors Guild Awards when I saw Jonathon on the list of people who had died over the past year and was shocked to see him up there. I recently saw him in a TV movie where he played a alcoholic, drug addict teenager who died. It was really strange to know that he actually died. My condolences to everyone who knew him, especially his family. I had a huge crush on him as a teenager and never missed an episode of Seaquest DSV. I miss him alot and hope that no more people ever leave in such a devastating way. Bye Jonathon Bye.
I had THE BIGGEST crush on Jonathon since I was 10 (and always since have) and I was watching the SAG awards when I saw him up there in the memorial presentation. I was so shocked and upset that all I could do was cry. It’s so sad to know that someone only a few years older than you, who you grew up with, died, and died so tragically. Jonathon, I will never know why you left us, but I will never forget all those hours of entertainment you graced us with. Always remembered – never forgotten.
im from the philippines and i just found out about Jonathan Brandis’ death. im really shocked. i was watching a replay of the screen actors guild awards and i saw him on the memorials part/segment. i couldn’t believe he was there so i searched the net right away. it’s so sad that he took his life. he will be missed.
I’m from Crandon Wi. and found out about Jonathan’s death just days after it happened. As a young girl I remember my sisters and I watching SeaQuest and fighting over which one of us he was going to marry. Today I found myself watching SeaQuest episodes that we had taped and was in to shock that someone so succesful would do something like that. Perhaps its to late to tell him that we were all big fans of his, but better late than never.You’ll be missed, but never forgotten. ~Jodi
I still could not believe that my idol was gone.Until now I stay thinking that he still alive.I started to admire him since IT movie shown in the tv.It was about 9 years ago.Although I haven’t heard about him for a long time, that doesn’t mean that I straight away forgot about him at all.After my friend told me about his death, I can’t stop feeling sad from day to day.Sometimes I cry for a long time till my eyes got bloated.Myself also little bit change to bad mood.I don’t know until when I will stop thinking about him ! Do you ?!For you Jon, don’t you know that how many people around the world feels like me? If the news are true about you committed suicide, you have just made a BIG mistake in your life b4 thinking :< However, I could not cheat myself that I really like you I will MISS you forever.Hope that I will see you in Heaven.
I just found out. What a shocker.
WHY? There are too many unanswered questions!! No reason was ever given. I found some weak reports about him being depressed but not why… Was that really the case? Did nobody notice any signs? How come he was found so quickly (at midnight) after (15 min?) that he was still alive? There were suggestions this may have been an accident, a prank gone wrong. Without a reason one is forced to consider that. I have gone in my mind thru all the possibilities – career, relationship, financial problems, health, … none of it really fits. The most suggested ‘career problems’ I don’t accept,- he already did 20 years of showbiz, already accomplished a lot, was still working, did not get the Star Wars role but so what, this is normal. Why was the release of his death delayed 12 days and media coverage minimal? No suicide note, no apparent reason. Deafening silence from all around him … There is more known about this !!
Everybody says this is sad. Of course it is but more than that. If this is really a case of plain suicide then if someone successful, healthy, popular, loved by many fans and yes handsome with no apparent problems decides life is not worth living then this is sending a very dark message indeed. I better stop right here, but you know what I mean …
Oh my god!…
I just can´t belive this…
This is a shock! A huge one!
Why on earth nobody tells about things like this!!! There are plenty of news about “how Britney hurt her finger” but when it comes to things like this, no one cares!
This is the second time in this year when I find out that someone quite famous is dead – and no thanks to the media.
Why everybody dies?!
Just read a few days ago about November 2003 death of our actor friend. What a beautiful actor who played such beautiful parts. I still would like to send flowers or do something?
Interesting that you say he could be a cover boy for…What? However, he was one of the most beautiful people I have personally ever seen – REALLY – and I’m NOT gay! JB.org is not officially attached to Jonathan (proper spelling, you’ll note. But it is one of the most thorough sites I’ve seen yet, on all the various aspects of “Bugs”. I was Jon’s teacher when he was in middle/high school, a friend thereafter, and followed his career pretty closely throughout his life. Thanks for remembering him, since the media on the whole seems to have ignored him. “Take Care”.
I am very disturbed about the news about jonathan brandis. I can’t stop thinking about his death, and I bring it up in conversations often these days. I am sad he left us, and this is my farewell to him. Rest in peace Jonathan. You will be missed, and forever in all of our hearts. I do want to share that one day a long time ago, I was sick, and I got his autographed picture in the mail by him, and I was so happy. so jonathan? Thank you! But what ever really happened?
I’m not gay or anything, but I thought he looked great it a dress in Ladybugs!
i miss him so much.my sweet prince
I am someone trying to break into the hollywood circuit as an actress. Most of what i’ve learned, i’ve learned from Jonathan. I am very shocked over the fact that he would committ suicide. I just never saw him that way. I feel a little guilty for not taking more time to stay in touch with him. I had no idea that he had fallen into such a depression that would cause this. I hope we can all get through this together. I’m just trying to remember the Jonathan i knew.but that makes the suicide even harder to accept. I hope he can find peace…
I was a huge fan of The Neverending Story I. I just found out about Brandis’ suicide 2 nights ago and remembered vaguely watching the 2nd movie and loving it too. I used to think Jonathan was so adorable! After hearing this sad news, I did not think I would be very affected by it and I would just feel sorry for him. That’s not at all how it went. I couldn’t stop thinking about this…Was it really a suicide? What went wrong? Could anything have helped? I was probably worrying about my own problems when he hanged himself…I have had a pain in my heart for this young man who I barely knew about…It just won’t go away. I’ll miss you Jonathan Brandis.
I’m the last one to know
I just want to know why.
Why there was no news about this?, Why nobody tells anything about an appatent reason. What kind of problems he had.
Please tell me… Cris
I found out about his death a few days ago. I was wondering what movies he had acted in or directed lately, and looked him up at http://www.imdb.com. At the bottom, it showed his date of death and I thought it was a mistake. Then I started searching online and found out about his suicide. I was in a bit of shock. My husband thought I was being funny at first, but I was really taken aback. This actor was my first childhood crush. I pasted my walls with his posters and made collages with his face. I wrote fan letters and was even desperate enough to write his parents a letter, when I never recieved a response from him. He was my very first love-I feel blue and depressed, when I think of him, feeling so alone and desperate, enough so to hang himself, without the influence of drugs or alcohol. No note. Nothing. There isn’t enough information on it. Who was the friend that found him? As a matter of fact, why aren’t there any interviews with any of his friends, parents, fellow actors, about his death? There are all these websites dedicated to his teen years, but the man was 27 years old, and still fairly well known. Surly someone, somewhere, has recent interviews or pictures. Surly, someone, somewhere, knows more about his death then they are letting on. And why didn’t the media do more?
Hmmm…. really makes ya wonder–
when i found out that there were lots or a thousands of thousands i say, whos inlove with jon,i feel more for his lost coz if he only of this.i could say that im very fortunate to know and have love him once in my life…this may be an obsession with the fact that he died without knowing me but i would say that ill keep on loving him and this will be forever,he will have a very special place in my heart.it may be crazy to think that im inlove with a celebrity and yet ill keep on going.im missing him so bad.how my heart aches when i recall all my craziness for him and how i would react every time he would appear on the screen.i felt so sorry that all the dreams i have for him and my dreamt life with was ended.yes.i love love and love him so deep.
Yes I do wonder. Is it just me or is there someone out there that feels something is not right here. I mean with the whole story. I love Jonathan as much as my own family and I just don’t believe the story that’s all. Why the PD (Plain Dealer) of all newspapers? (and don’t say because his last film was in Ohio) Why did it take a week? I have so many questions, but I will restrain myself from posting them. Please don’t jump on me, I’ve heard it all already. I just don’t feel right. I want the truth. Can anyone direct me in the right direction? I’m already a member of JB.org (although I have not posted there in awhile) Everyone seems too, I don’t know, cheerful. Okay, I’ve said enough. If someone wants to help me I would appreciate it, otherwise you can ignore. Thanks for reading.
I HAVE A REASON WHY I THINK PEOPLE MIGHT FEEL THE NEED TO END THEIR OWN LIFE, TO REACH A POINT WHEN YOU CANT SEE ANY HOPE FOR TOMARROW, WHEN EVERYDAY ITS A CHALLENGE JUST TO GET OUT OF BED AND GO ON LIVING. MAYBE ITS LIKE THEY FEEL THEY ARE ALREADY DEAD, AND TO END THAT FEELING IS THEIR ONLY WAY TO FREEDOM.
THE SAD THING IS THAT NOT JUST WAS HE A TALENT THAT GOT LOST IN CHANGING TIMES, BUT THAT HE WAS SO YOUNG AND THE ADVENTURE OF LIFE WAS JUST BEGING, IF ONLY HIS PATH HAD BEEN A LITTLE DIFFERENT THE THINGS HE DID AND THE THINGS HE COULD OF DONE.
MAY HE NOW HAVE FOUND THE PEACE HE WAS SEEKING.
I HAVE A REASON WHY I THINK PEOPLE MIGHT FEEL THE NEED TO END THEIR OWN LIFE, TO REACH A POINT WHEN YOU CANT SEE ANY HOPE FOR TOMARROW, WHEN EVERYDAY ITS A CHALLENGE JUST TO GET OUT OF BED AND GO ON LIVING. MAYBE ITS LIKE THEY FEEL THEY ARE ALREADY DEAD, AND TO END THAT FEELING IS THEIR ONLY WAY TO FREEDOM.
THE SAD THING IS THAT NOT JUST WAS HE A TALENT THAT GOT LOST IN CHANGING TIMES, BUT THAT HE WAS SO YOUNG AND THE ADVENTURE OF LIFE WAS JUST BEGING, IF ONLY HIS PATH HAD BEEN A LITTLE DIFFERENT THE THINGS HE DID AND THE THINGS HE COULD OF DONE.
MAY HE NOW HAVE FOUND THE PEACE HE WAS SEEKING.
I just got done watching the movie “Her Last Chance” and noticed he was in it. I never knew his name i just thought he was really cute and wanted to know what his name was. So i got on the internet and looked up the characters in the movie and found his name. Then i found out he was dead and it broke my heart to see someone with so much going for him to do something like that. I guess he didn’t have what he wanted have. I don’t know why he did it but there must be a good reason why he felt he had to do it. He obviously didn’t see himself like all of us did but we don’t know what hes been through and what he was going through at that time.
I’m very upset that he did what he but i will miss him dearly and will never forget that 1 million dollar face he had.
May he rest in peace.
Ashley 15
I just wanted to say I was watching Lady Bugs and everytime I see him I think about how much my childhood friend had a crush on him in the 90’s. I wanted to refresh my memory of the t.v series SEAQuest was in fact the show that he stared in. When I looked up Johnathan Brandis it came to my attention that he was dead. (Infact disturbed that he took his life at such a young age) Though there was no note it is known that people who are in the lime light and seem to have everything sometimes are the people who struggle with happiness. Just a reminder that all people are not perfect and some people have there down days even for the ones that seem perfect. (And for those who find out about his death after me… you aren’t the last! His misfortune was not the hot topic of media. (Respect for his family) Media seemed hush hush about all the details. Anyway Rest in Peace J.B and my sympathy goes out to his parents
Candy
hey i know its so sad to hear about jonathan’s death i first hear about jonathan when i saw his 1992 movie ladybugs awesome movie very funny but i watchs about an hour of it and and i said damn who is that kid he is hott lol he actually reminds me of my ex-boyfriend his name was jonathan too ” weird i know lol”anyway but for the longest time i didnt know what his name was and i kinda just forgot about him until i was at my great grams house about 2 weeks ago and i saw her last chance amd i saw him in it and i said ” oh my gosh thats him!!!” lol i scared my gram when i did that lol so i watched it and about an hour threw the movie i had to leave but i saw him die and i was like oh damn an hour thew the movie and he is dead already? so i went him that night and i looked him up on a movie site and i was so shocked to find out that he was dead i was so sad so i started to look up site on him and i had found out alot about him threw theys sites and it was really sad some one so talented and smart could do something like that to himself and his family and friends but i have red that he was very unhappy and i think that is just so sad and i also red that he had told his friends that he wanted to kill himself and his friends didnt think anything of it and that is just tarrable how they say that they were his friends and yet they did nothing i dont understand that and i never will and we will never really know why jonathan did what he did all we can do is pray that he is happy now and i know he is so all i ask everyone to do is to never forget him and i just want to say to his family im so sorry what happened and i wish u guys happyness cause i know thats what jonathan woulda wanted so R.I.P jonathan we will always love and miss u if anyone wants to comment or just talk write me at brandisfan4ever@aol.com
Neverending Story stole my heart and I was almost 30 when I saw the film and even bought it. I was so saddened by the death of such a wonderful light in world. His death was so undermentioned in the news I got on the computer the same day trying to find information to help me heal. He touched so many lives and he never had the chance to find out. I know he would have done great things that would have touched others like he did mine. I hope people remember him….I will… always. Thank you for this site. Johnathon deserves so much.
wow i just watched the movie “it” last night, and when i seen jonathan i new i recognized him from some where, then i finally looked up his profile on imdb.com and i found out he died, it’s weird, ive watched a few of his movies, and i donno it feels weird, i mean i didnt no this guy but for some reason i feel connected to him and wen i found out he died i started to cry for some reason..its a horrible tragidy and i wonder why he killed himself..but i guess the mystery of his death is not mean for us to know..
This is odd but I also kind of wondered where Jonathan disappeared to. I guess I know now. How sad?
I am from Lithuania.I have just find out about him and I was in sock. I can’t believe it. I used to like him when i was a child and he was the best teen actor. I am so sorry…
Now I jsut think what kind of the problem there should be to make a suicide??? I think he had everythin: good parents,(I know nothing about his girlfriend, Did he have any?), a lot of money, friends, education etc. Who is guilty? maybe – money, job, love. Guys, how do you think?
I’ve just found out and I’m shocked. He was the first crush i ever had and i always wondered what happened to him. i don’t know what else to say.
Oh my gosh! I for some reason today was just curious what Jonathan Brandis was doing these days. How depressing to find this out! If he only would have met me, at 13 I would have ran away him and lived happily ever after. He seemed like such a happy person. I had every inch of my bedroom wall covered in picures of him! My favorite was out of a BOP Magazine. He has a blue jean colored shirt on and his eyes matched just perfect. It has a pink backround and I would kiss him good night, every night! Anyway… enough reminising. I am so sorry to hear this. He was an awesome actor and drop dead gorgeous. If he only knew how many fans he actually had! He will be missed greatly.
I still cannot believe Jonathan Brandis ended his life without a note.It’s scary because I had no idea Jonathan was suicidual.I’m sure his other fans didn’t know of this either.I wish this could have been noticed by his friends,parents and even fans he had meet from before.I would think taking a rope and hanging yourself would be painful and scary to him or anyone else.My Sympathy goes to his parents and friends.