Cameron Boyce, Disney star with Clinton ties, dies at age 20

July 10, 2019 by Staff Reports

Cameron Boyce, whose grandmother Jo Ann Allen Boyce was one of the renowned Clinton 12 during Clinton High School desegregation in the 1950s, passed away at the age of 20 over the weekend.

He was a Disney celebrity, with a leading role in the film franchise “Descendants” and the TV series “Jessie.”

A family spokesperson told ABC News that he had a seizure during the night caused by an ongoing medical condition.

“The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him,” the family representative said in a written statement.

The family has requested privacy during this time.

“The Walt Disney Company mourns the loss of [Cameron Boyce], who was a friend to so many of us, and filled with so much talent, heart and life, and far too young to die,” said Disney CEO Robert Iger in a written statement.

“Our prayers go out to his family and his friends.”

Another Disney spokesperson said that “from a young age, Cameron Boyce dreamed of sharing his extraordinary artistic talents with the world.

“As a young man, he was fueled by a strong desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives through his humanitarian work.

“He was an incredibly talented performer, a remarkably caring and thoughtful person and, above all else, he was a loving and dedicated son, brother, grandson and friend.”

Boyce made a short documentary in honor of his grandmother’s struggles in Clinton for the Disney Channel in 2016.

Marilyn Haden of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center issued the following statement.

“On behalf of the Green McAdoo Cultural Organization, the City of Clinton, and the State of Tennessee, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Jo Ann Allen Boyce. Jo Ann lost her grandson, Cameron Boyce, on July 6, 2019.

“Cameron was a Disney actor and had visited Clinton in January 2016 with a Disney film crew to record: Timeless Heroes (Cameron Boyce honors “The Clinton 12”) – Be Inspired, which won “Top Honors” at 44th Daytime Emmys and Creative Emmys is 2017.

“Cameron will be missed by family, friends, and a whole generation of young adults. Please keep Jo Ann and the entire Boyce family in prayer.”