Jonathan Brandis: Our Shining Star

On April 13, 1976, in the small town of Danbury Connecticut, Jonathan Gregory Brandis was born into this world as an only child by parents Mary and Greg Brandis. With sparkling blue eyes, blonde hair, and a winning smile, he was a shoe-in for show business. His mother took him to New York City when Jon was only two years old for a debut on a Buster Brown commercial and poster. From that point on he won several small parts in movies, made for TV movies and television movie series such as “Poor Little Rich Girl” and “Stephen Kings: It”. It wasn’t until he was around ten years old when his career as an actor began to take off, starring in the sequel to “The Never-Ending Story”. Despite his acting career, Jon’s family was determined to stay down to earth. “We made a decision that we would pursue it, but family would always come first. This wouldn’t interfere with our family values”, said Mary Brandis.

In 1992, Jon played opposite comic Rodney Dangerfield in the movie “Ladybugs”. He starred in the martial arts comedy “Sidekicks” as a bullied asthmatic who fantasizes he is Chuck Norris’ pal. Brandis’ popularity became huge with “SeaQuest DSV” which aired from 1993 to 1995. His character, Lucas Wolenczak, attracted many kids who enjoyed knowledge and computers. “Seaquest DSV” took Jon to the top as ranking him the sexiest teen actor. Jonathan Brandis was one of my first teen crushes, and as I grew older and began to follow his career I was more intrigued. He was the all around American boy, doesn’t like doing chores, a terrible morning person, a kind, respectful, shy at times, and very intelligent. To pursue his dreams during his younger years he doubled up on his classes and reflected his character of Lucas Wolenczak. He squirmed in the spotlight, but was very thankful and grateful for everything that he had earned.

As he grew older he started writing his own screenplays and enjoyed hanging out at the local gym, playing pool, basketball, or just talking on his cell phone with his friends. During his lifetime he was romantically linked to Tatyana Ali, Heather McComb, Vinessa Shaw and Monica Keena. He even accompanied actress Brittany Murphy to her high school prom. He expressed an interest in moving his career towards more directing work rather than acting. Rumor had it he had also auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’ Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

But even as this wonderful man seemed to be moving forward with a smile on his face, and his career was in an unexpected lull, he seemed to have not minded on the outside, but on the inside he was hurting and struggling to pursue his dreams.
On November 12, 2003, Jonathan Brandis was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. On November 11, 2003, at about 11:40 p.m., a friend of Jonathan Brandis called police to report that the actor had attempted suicide by hanging at his apartment, located in the 600 block of Detroit Avenue. He was put on a ventilator when he arrived at the hospital; sadly, he died at 2:44pm from his injuries.

Jonathan was a huge part of my childhood and now that he is gone it feels like a large part of my childhood is gone as well, and I am sure that many fans out there feel the same way. Jonathan suffered from depression�and he suffered from it in silence. Depression is something that never ever should be coped with in silence. Jon never spoke about it, but the signs were there. Friends cited that he had drunk heavily and a few weeks before he passed he told his friends goodbye.
Jon was a hero to many people and all his fans out there are in sadness because of this happening. If you are a person who is suffering from depression, please don’t suffer it alone. You are a hero to someone out there. You may not be an actor or an actress, but you do have many fansâÂ?¦your friends and your family.

Jonathan Brandis was a shining star here on earth for 27 years� and now he is and will always be a shining star in heaven and in all of our hearts.