Austin Majors, the former child actor known for his role in NYPD Blue, has died at the age of 27. He was found dead on Saturday in Los Angeles. The official cause of his death has not been unveiled yet; however, some sources say that it could be a fentanyl overdose.
Majors rose to fame by playing Theo Sipowicz in NYPD Blue from 1999 to 2004. He also appeared in a few other television shows and films in guest roles. Read on to know more about his life and career.
Former Child Actor Austin Majors Dies at 27
Majors was living at a facility for homeless individuals in downtown Los Angeles. He died on Saturday night after reportedly ingesting a fatal dose of fentanyl. A source close to the development has revealed that no foul play is suspected in the case. An autopsy is currently going on, and the final toxicology results will come out in the next few weeks.
The actor’s family has released a statement confirming the news and said, “Austin was a loving, artistic, brilliant, and kind human being. He took great joy and pride in his acting career. He was an active Eagle Scout and graduated Salutatorian in High School. He went on to graduate from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a passion of directing and music producing.”
“Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories with Austin were growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with “Kids With a Cause”, and backpacking together. Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson, and nephew that made us proud and we will miss him deeply forever,” the statement read further.
Majors Appeared in 48 Episodes of NYPD Blue
Austin started his career as a child star and got wide recognition for his portrayal of Theo Sipowicz, Detective Andy Sipowicz’s son, in ABC’s drama series NYPD Blue. He acted in seven seasons of the show, appearing in 48 episodes.
For his performance, he was honored with the Young Artist Award for best performance in a television series in 2002. The following year, he was nominated for Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role for Treasure Planet.
Majors also worked in several films, including Dead Silence, Nevada, and The Ant Bully, and appeared on the television shows According to Jim, ER, and Desperate Housewives. His last acting credit was a 2009 episode of How I Met Your Mother. Till a few years ago, he was posting funny videos on his YouTube channel named AwesomePerfected.
Fans Shocked by the Actor’s Death
Social media users have expressed their grief and shock over Major’s death with their posts. “This is sad. So many child actors go downhill after childhood,” wrote a user, and another commented, “What is happening to all these very young adults? Far too many young people using and dying from fentanyl.”
A fan tweeted, “Incredible show. Sad how many child actors are lost to addiction. RIP young man,” and another wrote, “This is just sad. Remember watching him in NYPD Blue. An incredible talent lost into oblivion.”
Our condolences to Austin Majors’ family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!