Jahmil French, who played Dave Turner on
Degrassi: The Next Generation, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, his agent Gabrielle Kachman confirmed to
Variety. He was 29.
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| Michael Loccisano/Getty Images |
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and client Jahmil French,” she said in a statement. “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.”
A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Producer Joshua Safran tweeted about French’s death on Tuesday morning. “I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday,” he wrote. “Right now we’re all just processing this devastating news.”
Safran worked with French on the short-lived Netflix series Soundtrack, a musical drama set in Los Angeles where French played Dante Mendoza, who works to adjust to life outside of prison.
French is best known for his role as Dave, who first entered the Degrassi universe in 2009 as a new student intent on achieving popularity. He stayed on the show until 2013 and, during that time, earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination.
Stefan Brogren, who played Archie "Snake" Simpson on Degrassi: Next Class and served as a series producer, paid tribute to French on Twitter. “He performed Dave with such sensitivity and thoughtfulness and could make me laugh so easily,” Brogren wrote. “It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be missed. This is a real loss. Rest In Peace.”
Degrassi co-star Melinda Shankar, who played French’s primary love interest, Alli Bhandari, reflected on their time together: “So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel. Blessed that we got to be part of a big dysfunctional family together. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I just hope you knew how loved you were.”
Shankar also shared a sweet behind-the-scenes video of her on set with Jahmil.
On Instagram, Annie Clark, who portrayed Fiona Coyne in the teen drama, wrote about her first memory of French.
“We started on Degrassi the same year and I’ll never forget the day I met him. Jahmil was so full of energy and absolute joy to be around.”
"Jahmil was one of the most gifted and effortless performers I've ever met," Munro Chambers, known for Eli Goldsworthy on the show, tweeted. "His vibrant personality lit up the room. Rest easy my friend."
Christina Milian, who stared with Jahmil in Soundtrack, commented under his final instagram post, which was a selfie.
"You will be missed. Rest peacefully King," she wrote.
Degrassi: The Next Generation aired on The N/TeenNick in the U.S.
Jahmil made his TV debut in 2009 with a role on Canadian crime drama Flashpoint, which starred former Headstones singer Hugh Dillon and former Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Felicity actor Amy Jo Johnson.
He landed his Degrassi: The Next Generation role same year. He played Dave until 2013, and his acting was critically acclaimed, garnering him a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series in 2013.
Jahmil later found further acting success with the Canadian film Boost. He also received a Canadian Screen Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2018 for that role.
In Soundtrack, he starred alongside Jenna Dewan, Christina, Paul James of Greek and Madeleine Stowe.
NickALive! sends Jahmil's family and friends its heartfelt condolences at this time.
R.I.P. Jahmil French, July 29, 1991 – March 1, 2021.
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