Jahmil French, the Canadian actor best known for his regular role as Dave Turner inDegrassi: The Next Generation, has sadly passed away. A cause of death has not yet been revealed, but the young actor reportedly died on Monday at the age of 29. His passing was confirmed by his representative, Gabrielle Kachman, in a statement provided to Deadline.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and clientJahmil French,” Kachman said. “He will be remembered by many for his passion for the arts, his commitment to his craft, and his vibrant personality. I ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
French played Dave Turner onDegrassi: The Next Generationas part of the main cast between 2009 and 2013. For the role, he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performance in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series at the first Canadian Screen Awards in 2013. He was later nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movieBoostin 2018. French has also appeared in the moviesThe Infamous,At First Light, andDalia, along with roles in other shows likeIncorporatedandLet’s Get Physical.
More recently, French had played Dante Mendoza on theNetflixseriesSoundtrack, which premiered on the streamer in 2019. Reacting to the news,Soundtrackcreator Joshua Safran addressed French’s passing with a post on Twitter.
“I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday,” Safran wrote. “Only posting because I see the story getting out there. I will have more to say about him later. Right now we’re all just processing this devastating news.”
Christina Milan, French’sSoundtrackco-star, also left a comment on the actor’s final Instagram post reading, “You will be missed. Rest peacefully King.”
Some of French’s co-stars fromDegrassi: The Next Generationare also paying tribute. Melinda Shankar, who played Alli Bhandari on the series, wrote on Instagram: “You will always hold such a special place in my heart. Thank you for being one of the most talented, compassionate, kindest, funniest friends I have. You were so loved. Sharing some of my fav pics over the years to highlight his bright light. I’ll miss our dance offs. #Bhandurner forever.”
“Still in shock,” added Chloe Rose. “Jahmil will be missed. He was an integralpart of the Degrassi familyand certainly a huge part of my degrassi days. He always wanted to make people laugh and smile, a true joy to be around. Rest in Peace.”
Posting a video of French dancing, Annie Clark also writes: “Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French. This video is how I’ll always think of him. So full of energy and fun. He was always dancing. A true talent and a great friend. We will all miss you so much Jahmi.”
Our thoughts go out to French’s family and friends at this difficult time. At just 29 years old, he was far too young to go. May herest in peace. This news comes to us fromDeadline.
