A 90s Icon, That's What Jonathan Brandis Was, An Actor We Miss

 

On April 13th, the actor would have turned 42

  Among several actors who have passed through cinema history, some stand out for immortalizing films in our memories. That was Jonathan Brandis. Despite not being part of major productions, the subtlety of his performances in iconic films from the childhood and adolescence of many makes him an actor we truly miss. So get to know a little more about Jonathan Brandis now.     Born in Connecticut in 1976, Jonathan Gregory Brandis began his career at age six, acting in isolated commercials. He made modest appearances in the 1980s such as in Fatal Attraction and Stepfather II.   [caption id="attachment_28086" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Jonathan Brandis alongside Chuck Norris in the fun Sidekicks.[/caption]   But it was in 1990 that the actor gained prominence, starring as the protagonist of The NeverEnding Story II, directed by Wolfgang Petersen. In the role of the character Bastian Bux, the actor earned well-deserved recognition for acting in a fantastic story.   [caption id="attachment_28082" align="alignnone" width="1197"] Brandis in The NeverEnding Story II.[/caption]   Following that, Brandis acted as one of the tormented children of Derry in the TV movie It, a Stephen King masterpiece, playing young Bill Denbrough.   [caption id="attachment_28083" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Brandis in It.[/caption]   Another of his highlights was when he had Steven Spielberg as executive producer on the series seaQuest DSV. In addition to that, the actor made appearances in iconic productions from the 1990s, such as Blossom and Three's Company.   [caption id="attachment_28084" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Brandis in seaQuest DSV.[/caption]   Brandis also lent his voice to the character Mozenrath from the Aladdin cartoon. In his adult life, his personal life came under the spotlight for his romance that lasted more than six years with actress Tatyana Ali, the Ashley from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.     Brandis's success even had him considered to play young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Without much nuance or brilliance, Brandis's acting was effective and necessary. And despite not appearing so, a possible depression led the actor to end his life at 27 years old, when during a party with friends, he hanged himself with a nylon cord. The actor's death was noted with the following statement:  

"On November 11, 2003, around 11:40 PM, a friend of Jonathan Brandis called the police because the actor had attempted suicide in his apartment, located at 600 Detroit Avenue. Paramedics from the Fire Department transported Brandis to Sinai Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. Brandis's death was announced by the hospital staff team on November 12, 2003, around 2:45 PM".