CNN.com – Death of Jonathan Brandis ruled suicide – Nov. 25, 2003 – There are many folks who compare Star Trek’s Wesley with the character Jonathan played on SeaQuest (Lucas). Even Wil Wheaton himself has on his own weblog. Although, I didn’t really like how each character came across in each series, I still felt I had a connection with them.
Perhaps, it’s just the geek in me (both characters were geeks in the shows. In real life, I have no idea if Jonathan was a geek. Wil on the other hand is a self proclaimed geek, which makes it really cool to go read his weblog and see what he’s up to.
Obviously, the characters in the shows haven’t died. I guess it’s that geek in me that feels sad that the real life guy who made the geeky character come alive has died. It’s hard to explain.
Interestingly, Wil has an entry about Jonathan’s death also and a comparison between himself and Jonathan. WIL WHEATON DOT NET: grinding halt
A moment of silence…
Update on 12/13/03: Question: Does anyone know or have heard why he did it? (preferably, not from a tabloid?
Update on 04/25/06: Jonathanbrandis.org – This site is a memorial to him. It has a good number of links, pictures, etc. and seems to be updated fairly often (and recently.)
#1 by Jack on 5/5/2005 - 4:33 pm
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I always thought of Jonathan as one of my friends growing up, even though we never met. He and Drew Barrymore (a short list of others) were about the same age as I, so I grew up with them, so to speak. I didn’t know until the last month that Jonathan was gone. It may sound silly, but I’m in mourning, because he was my on-screen friend. So many of us wonder what was happening in his life…if only there was some way to find out…not that it would really help.
I miss him.
Jack
#2 by max on 6/2/2005 - 2:44 pm
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hey, so.. I have known for a long time now that Jonathan has been gone, but I just never knew so many people remebered him. I thank god that we had him with us for the small time that we did.I just wanted to say that everyday since I have known I have thought about him, and he will stay with me forever. He is safe, and he is loved, both where ever he has found himself, and here, on Earth.
#3 by Marg on 7/7/2005 - 4:29 pm
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When I found out about Jonathan Brandis death,I couldn’t believe it! I was shocked and saddened by this. I wish Jonathan had found someone to talk to about his problems. I believe, Jonathan must have known there was help out there. And,Sometimes it’s hard to reach out for help! That was not the way to solve his problems. It’s still hard to believe Jonathan died and in such a violent way. I never thought Jonathan would do something like this. Jonathan, Peace Forever.
#4 by layla on 8/3/2005 - 12:49 pm
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i love you forever jonathan
((((((((((( forever in my heart layla (spain)
#5 by JV on 8/9/2005 - 3:23 pm
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For all you Christians saying rest in peace, according to your religion, he is in hell. Does that make sense? That a troubled young mind who had so much to live for and made a silly decision goes to hell?
Or maybe he had a mental problem that was not acknowledged, the body doesn’t WANT to hurt itself. Your body will do anything it can to survive in sane mind. He didn’t want to survive, but God judges him on the what could’ve been mental affliction given to him by God?
Question your faith
#6 by rachel on 8/26/2005 - 3:33 pm
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To: Jonathan
May Your Beautiful Soul Rest In Heveanly
PEACE
Lots-a- Love
Rachel
#7 by Dylan on 9/15/2005 - 5:21 pm
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It is a true shame that someone like Jonothan Brandis would have to resort to something like taking his own life. It saddens me to think that those close to him couldn’t see something like this coming. There are always tough times, but you have to live. You need to live life. It sound so simple but it means so much.
Suicide is never the answer, but somtimes you have to wonder what leads one to suicide. What a tragedy… If he only could be here today to see the effect his death had on people. I was never an avid fan, however, I enjoyed his movies and his shows as a youngster. For all those people out there bad mouthing this poor kid, maybe you should reflect on yourself a little more. No one has the right to judge others.
But who cares how people liked him on the screen. He was a person, and that should be enough. My heart goes out to you Jonothan Brandis, and I truly hope that God may have mercy on your soul. My prayers are with you.
Godspeed.
#8 by ryan on 12/20/2005 - 4:54 pm
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I’d like to send my sincere condolances to his family and his death has struck a major chord in me forever.
Thanks for the memories Jonathon, the world is yours!!
RIP
#9 by Brie Thorp on 1/1/2006 - 3:48 pm
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He didnt commit suicide i know he didnt
#10 by Arlene G. Castillo from Philippines on 2/21/2006 - 8:00 am
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The first time I watch DSV and saw Jonathan Brandis… I saw a bright light covering on his face and when I looked on him clearly and saw his face… wow! the only thing that comes on my mind… he is my ideal man… a man who I would like to be my husband… funny isn’t but it is true… I’m only 12 years old then… building my dreams to finish my studies and be in Los Angeles and have a work there and look for a chance if there will be a possibility to meet him in person… but one month after his death (and I still don’t know about it) I got sick and I felt strange and suddenly I thought of him and I know that there was something wrong with him… maybe because of too much thinking of him made me think that there is a connection… but after one year and a half of his death… that is the time I read about his death… suddenly I got depressed… hoping that it is not true… looking for all the ways on how to be on Jonathan Brandis’ organization in the web… only to know that there are still more girls who really admired him… until now I’m 26 years old and can’t get enough on him… I hope he find peace… And I know he already did… for all the things he did when he was here on earth… he helped a lot less fortunate children and I think he became a good son… but still he is just a human who commit a mistake… nobody’s perfect anyway…
#11 by John on 6/15/2006 - 4:39 pm
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I heard that news just today. I know it’s really strange, but nobody spoke about it here in Italy, no tv-news or newspaper spoke about it.
I’ve lost so many people around me, in these recent years, that now every person I “loved” that dies make me cry.
It’s so sad that many persons die and the world goes on walking on them .
10 years ago an extraordinary singer died, she was very famous in Italy, she was “Mia Martini”, and now, nobody speaks anymore about her.
It’s really, really sad.
I would like you to think : I don’t think there even exist “suicide” I think every suicide is a “homicide”, and the person is killed by the Society, by a feeling, by the pain or by a person.
Just think about it.
#12 by Shadow on 6/17/2006 - 10:49 am
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RAGE AGAINST THE DYING OF THE LIGHT!
Jonathan Brandis Memorial Day 12.11.06.
Stand up and be counted!
#13 by David on 6/24/2006 - 1:57 pm
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Nice site! David
#14 by charles on 7/5/2006 - 7:41 pm
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Why Jonny, Why…I just found out about your death. 3 years later, and people are still googling your name. I still watch you on seaquest, and thought what has this dude been doing since, and I found this. I never met you, but feel the loss of a bright, young, guy that had much to offer the world. Good bye…..or is it….Until when ever.
#15 by E.F on 7/10/2006 - 8:51 pm
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It’s Been 3 long years and I’m still missing him!
Miss you and love you Jon….
Love Always, Your Bud E.F
#16 by Paula on 8/9/2006 - 6:35 pm
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Its mad I only just found out about your death three years later thought u where a superb actor gorgeous man to look at an you had gorgeous eyes that you could drown in i feel so sad even tho its been three years an i only just found out. I only found out cause i was thinking about the film IT an i wanted to come on an see your website an thats when i seen it, Johnathan Brandis commited suicide am so gutted and saddend you will always be sadly missed for years on R.I.P angel
#17 by Gaby on 9/24/2006 - 12:46 am
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That’s kinda crazy but i just found out about it a few minutes ago. I was watching The Sandlot 2 and one of the actors looked a lot like you but then when i looked up the date of the movie and it was 2005 then i figured it was maybe your brother or something. So i looked up the movie and the kid had a totally different last name than you but then something told me to look you up ’cause i hadn’t heard your name for a while and then i read “suicide”.
I am so sorry :***( I was such a fan of yours when i was younger, i’m 25 now and i just don’t know what pushed you to take your own life at such a young age but i am truly sorry. I never met you or saw you in person but from what i remember you were very talented and a beautiful person. So sorry Jonathan, i hope you are in a much better place now…
#18 by Jessica on 10/7/2006 - 12:42 am
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I was completeley blown away when i heard of his death. It took a couple of minutes for the news to relly set that he was dead by takeing his own life. i used to look for the alladen videos where in played the the voice of mosenrath on alladen and i thik i wore out my video of laddy buggs watching it so meny times. he was my favorite actor for so meny years it’s hard to belive that it has ended this way he will be greatly missed. i used to dream of what would happen if i ever meet him in person but i know there is never a chance for that to ever happened, I WILL MISS HIM AND HIS ACTING but will always remember him for the roles he played and all the pictures i used to tacke to my walls as a teanager.
#19 by Jana on 12/16/2006 - 3:50 pm
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Jonathan Brandis holds a very special place in my past. Even though I have never met him, I watched everything he was in and read almost every magazine he was in. I adored him. If his family were to ever read this I want to say that I pray God grants him, his family peace and faith that someday they’ll be together again. My mother has tried several attempts at suicide so I could only imagine what could possibly be felt. It never gets easier. It’s a shame that it takes someone’s life to offer help to others, but please if you are one that is thinking of this know there is nothing wrong with getting help. You are not alone. We all need God.
Bless you all.
Rest in peace Jonathan, you are loved ever so much.
#20 by Marg on 1/3/2007 - 2:19 am
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It’s hard to believe that Jonathan wanted to do such an act and hurtful thing!I am sure your parents love you and miss you more than anyone in the world!Jonathan you were very much loved by relatives,friends and fans.And, you will always be forever…Rest In Peace.
#21 by tom on 1/31/2007 - 12:37 pm
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does anybody else see puerta vallarta squeeze and notice how uncomfortable in his own skin he seemed? He left the wrld shortly after
#22 by Angela on 2/6/2007 - 4:27 am
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I miss you. I remember 2002 was a year that I dreaded and thought about death because nobody was willing to listen to what I had been going through, not even my roomate. Shortly after, 9/11 was a rude awakening and I was in more despair, only to hold on, switching majors and getting myself distracted by Plato.
Things seemed to get easier, but in 2003, I heard about this, unwilling to believe it. Everyone that suffers sometimes thinks about suicide. I am sorry for some of the hurtful remarks people left. I can only hope that your soul is in heaven and you RIP. I remember watching SeaQuest and knew you were talented.
I was in LA during that time for college. If I had known you and met you I would have done anything I could but I was a living mess myself and even now I’m struggling and sometimes I just say why why why? But life is a bunch of whys. Its not easy and without you there its harder.
I know that those that knew you in person and your fans must be grieving and wishing that you can come back. Its been awhile but I still can’t forget the impression you made in my life. When things get bad, I’ll try to remember you and continue. I can’t judge you because even though your life seemed perfect, I wasn’t you. We always think the grass is greener on the other side. God bless you and hope that your heaven is one without pain.
#23 by Lasha on 3/15/2007 - 11:31 am
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I have just recently found out about Jonathan’s death.
First off, to the people condemning Jon for commiting suicide: SHAME ON YOU! You have no right to judge someone for their actions. Let God do the judging.
He was at a place in his life that he felt he couldn’t go on anymore, like the flame to the candle of his life was flickering and fading away. He knew the consequences of his actions when he performed them. We have no right to post anywhere on the internet about how bad of a person he was for doing it. NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER.
I am a big fan of his still even though he chose the route he did to leave this world. All the personal stories I have read from friends of his has led me to beleive that he was caring and full of generosity. Sure, he committed one selfish act (as you might call it) by killing himself, but I look at it as selfless, he wanted his pain to end, and it’s ended. He feels none now. I don’t condone suicide, but people who sit there and put others down are the reason why others have low self-worth and either attempt or succeed in killing themselves.
It’s so tragic that you people would actually put him down as if he were alive and able to read your derogatory comments today. “If you don’t have something nice to day, don’t say anything at all.” my favorite quote and I feel that it fits here.
My point is, we should be celebrating his life and laughing, not putting him down for the way he died.
In Loving Memory of Jonathan Gregory Brandis April 13, 1976 to November 12, 2003
#24 by brianna on 9/16/2008 - 9:47 pm
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It sucks!
I am young right now in 2008 and I saw my mom watching seaquest and I thought it looked like a good show so i started watching it too!
Turns out it was a great show! In fact i am watching it right now on dvd!
Its amazingly sad because I never even knew about jon and i just found out today that he committed suicide! I mean why does someone who looks that great and is that amazing at everything have to die! I mean, I just think that he was so great!
it really suks that he had to die!
#25 by debbie talo on 10/15/2008 - 4:41 pm
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I was just searching this website on megacafe,just reading about people that committed suicide and just out of no where Jon’s photo came up and as i was reading what happened, i was shocked to death to hear that Jon had killed himself. I was so mad at him,I loved him and cherished him always.Oh! I wish I knew long time ago about this and especially wishing I was there before he would make a any stupid decision. folks and young ones out there reading about this: suicide is not the answer,we all have problems that we face in our lives and Im telling you that it’s hard to living a normal life. Prayer is the number key to any problem.Let God control you and NOT satan. If you ever planned on committing suicide,Please think again,God gave you life and he would not allow us to take it away from him, If you do, let me tell you something there won’t be a place for you in heaven when Jesus comes again. God made us in his own image,he created us and only he can take life away from us.Take Care and please share this with your love ones………..Jonathan may you rest in peace……..family and friends of JonB be strong and have faith for you will see him again…………….all da way from SAMOA
#26 by AJ on 2/12/2009 - 9:55 am
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Why? and I quote:
“On November 12, 2003, Brandis died from injuries he suffered after hanging himself.[11] The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement regarding his death:
On November 11, 2003, at about 11:40 p.m., a friend of Jonathan Brandis called police to report that the actor had attempted suicide at his apartment, located in the 600 block of Detroit Avenue. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire department responded and transported Brandis to Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he eventually died from his injuries. Brandis’ death was announced by hospital staff on November 12, 2003, at about 2:45 p.m.”
Brandis did not leave a suicide note, although friends were quoted as saying he was lonely and depressed about his lagging career. One friend admitted that Brandis drank heavily, and had even mentioned that he might kill himself. He was also said to be upset when his appearance in Hart’s War, a role he hoped would be his comeback, was cut from the film.
Following Brandis’ death, Paul Petersen, president of A Minor Consideration, an organization that deals with issues affecting child actors stated, “Speculations as to the underlying cause of this tragedy are exactly that: speculations. It serves no purpose to leap to conclusions for none of us will really know what led Jonathan to his decision to take his life”"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Brandis
I wasn’t even Alive for most of his stuff but I remember watching a lot of his stuff from the early ’90s when I was younger… and later when I got older watched a few more of his earlier works. It is definitely a tragedy when someone who has accomplished so much, and touched so many lives, dies way before his time, still with a lot of potential left…
As for the whole, his part getting cut being the last straw etc… He does admit to being somewhat of a perfectionist “I think about things a bit too much.” (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000970/bio), but I don’t know…
Plus, it was ATTEMPTED, the injuries sustained afterwards is what actually killed him, and if, indeed he was serious about the suicide, firstly he would have left a letter of something and secondly, they would not have been alive by the time paramedics arrived or he got to the hospital.
Sad that he didn’t fully know his impact on the world.
Hope he’s in a better place…