Late last week, we received the heartbreaking news that Disney star, Cameron Boyce, had sadly, and unexpectedly, passed away.
Cameron, who was only twenty-years-old when he died suddenly of a seizure, made a huge impact on both his fans and those who personally knew and loved him.
Tributes have been flooding in for the Disney star, from both celebrities and family members. And his father, Victor Boyce, has now spoken out in an emotional and heartfelt tribute to his late son.
At the ripe age of just 9-years-old, Boyce made his debut appearances in the horror films, Mirrors and Eagle Eye.
Throughout his career, he went on to star in many other movies, such as Grown Ups 2 with Adam Sandler, and the animated version of Marvel’s Spiderman.
You will probably remember Cameron best from his role as Carlos De Vil in the Disney movie franchise, Descendants.
He also starred in other Disney titles such as Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, and Jessie.
Cameron was always very vocal about his diverse heritage, and how coming from a mixed Jewish and Afro Caribbean family was important to him.
Cameron’s grandmother, Jo Ann Allen Boyce, was one of the first twelve black students to be integrated into a white high school in Clinton, 1956.
The actor was visibly very proud of his heritage and posted about his family on his social media accounts quite regularly.
Speaking to Haute Living, Cameron discussed his pride concerning his grandmother’s story: “Her story doesn’t just inspire me … It hits home with everyone who stops to listen to it.
“She and the other eleven students set the stage for our generation to come together. We have to ensure – especially with some of the controversy plaguing us now – that we continue to push towards dreams that have yet to be realized. Equality in its truest sense.”
In 2016, Cameron directed a short film for Black History Month, in which he addressed his grandmother’s role in the Clinton 12 movement, and ultimately kept the memory of these advocates alive.
Cameron was a vocal advocate for The Thirst Project, a charity dedicated to providing clean and drinkable water to disadvantaged communities.
His humanitarian work raised $30,000 to build two wells for clean drinking water in Swaziland, and he also used his platform to raise awareness about the Global Water Crisis.
And news of his untimely death has hit the world hard.
The actor passed away on July 6th, after suffering a seizure in his sleep.
In an official statement upon news of Cameron’s death, a family spokesperson expressed the family’s heartbreak: “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.
“We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
Fans and personal friends alike have been sharing heartwarming tributes and stories about Cameron over social media.
Social media users have been expressing their shock and sadness over Cameron’s unexpected death, with many fans feeling a close attachment to the actor.
Fans aren’t the only ones who have been hit hard by the shocking news. An array of different celebrities who knew and worked with Cameron have been sharing their grief.
Fellow Descendents star, Sarah Jeffery, shared a photo of the pair hugging, with a simple love heart as the caption.
Cameron’s on-screen mom, Wendy Raquel, shared a picture of the pair on the set of Descendents together, and wrote: “…we had so much fun creating magic on the set and at @amazinggraceconservatory A Lifetime…precious memories that I will cherish forever!”
Fellow Jessie star, Debbie Ryan, also posted a tribute.
The actress shared a video of Cameron to her Instagram Story, where he can be heard discussing the need to use social media to make the world a better place.
Boyce had famously starred alongside Sandler in Grown Ups 2, wherein he played Keithie Feder, son of Adam Sandler’s character, Leonard Feder, and the pair had made an iconic duo.
Sharing a black and white photo of Cameron, Sandler wrote: “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around. Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken.”
Cameron was a big family guy and was regularly spotted in cute family pictures in his dad’s Instagram posts.
Only 2 months ago, he shared a video onto his Instagram of him surprising his mom on Mother’s Day, and her reaction was nothing short of overjoyed.
Victor Boyce regularly shared his and his son’s daily doings on his Instagram account, with his posts demonstrating their close father-son relationship.
And it was adorable to see. On Cameron’s twentieth birthday, which was just over a month ago, his dad fondly referred to him as a “goofball” and his “favorite son.”
Though, considering Cameron only passed away last week, the family will most certainly be going through an unimaginable period of grief and pain, and will understandably not be thinking of social media right away.
He had kind words for everyone who has supported the family so far.
In a tweet the day following his son’s death, Victor wrote: “I’m overwhelmed with the love and support our family has received. It really does help to ease the pain of this nightmare I can’t wake up from. I can’t thank you guys enough.”
One user expressed how much of a role model Cameron was to her growing up, and credited Victor and his wife for raising such an admirable person.
Countless Twitter users sent heartwarming messages to Victor, telling him about the positive impact that his son had on their lives.
Cameron Boyce was one of a kind and made an astounding impact on both the world and the people that he interacted with in his life.
What hurts the most is the fact that the photo that he shared was taken only a few hours before the actor’s unexpected death.
The Disney star looks happy, with a cheeky smirk playing on his lips as he stares into the camera.
He wrote: “My son. Just hours before he was snatched from our lives. I miss him terribly. I hope that no one ever has to feel the agony I’m feeling but no one is immune to tragedy.”
“The outpouring of love and support our family continues to receive is so beautiful and appreciated. Thank you all for helping us through our worst possible situation.”
The heartfelt tributes for the late Disney star poured in, with fans expressing their sadness at the loss of a kind soul.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP Cameron Boyce, you will be missed.
