The Tragic Death of Former Child Star Jonathan Brandis ('SeaQuest'/'Never Ending Story')

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Former child star Jonathan Brandis, who committed suicide in 2003, had appeared in several TV shows and movies by the time he was a teen. He became best on the big screen for his leading role in 1991's The Neverending Story 2: The Next Chapter, and on the small screen for two seasons on Steven Spielberg's acclaimed science series, SeaQuest DSV. Brandis was only 27 when he opted to end his life.

Brandis also starred in the movie, Ladybugs, released in 1992, one year before SeaQuest debuted on NBC.

Dedicated to acting, Brandis worked diligently to complete his high school education early so he could work on SeaQuest.

After that water-based sci-fi series ended in 1995, Jonathan's career stalled somewhat, though he thought his performance in the movie, Hart's War, released in 2002, might have worked in his favor.

Unfortunately, most of his sequences in the film were removed from the final cut. At this point, Brandis fell into a deep depression, began to drink heavily, and on November 12, 2003, subsequently committed suicide.

Early and Later in Life

Jonathan Brandis was born in Danbury, Connecticut on April 13, 1976, to his parents Mary and Gregory. His parents were the typical American middle-class couple, with his mother working as a teacher and his father as a firefighter.

Brandis was dear friends with other former child stars such as Soleil Moon Frye (from Punky Brewster fame) and Dana McKeller (of The Wonder Years), both of whom enjoyed working with him.

Conclusion

Like many former child stars, Jonathan Brandis enjoyed great success in his early years only to struggle with the price of fame when acting jobs became less frequent and worthwhile in his adult years.