If you first knew Lee Thompson Young for starring role on The Famous Jett Jackson, you remember his trustworthy sidekick and best friend J.B. Halliburton.
Rev. Ryan Sommers Baum, who played J.B. from 1998 to 2001, told E! News exclusively he was "shocked and heartbroken" when news of his costar's tragic death broke Tuesday, Aug. 19.
"Lee Thompson Young was, as many have already noted, loved and respected by all who knew and worked with him, a wise, gentle, thoughtful, tremendously funny and fun-loving young man, and a good and constant friend to me during some very formative years in my life," said Baum, who retired from acting when the show concluded and is now the minister of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sioux City, Iowa.
Baum and Thompson, who was 29 at the time of his apparent suicide, "stayed in loose contact through college," but "correspondence tapered off after that."
"My deepest sympathies go out to all his family and friends, especially his amazing mom, a radiant and deeply spiritual soul," said Rev. Baum. "I pray the love of God will sustain her through this terrible loss."
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).