R.I.P.
Celebrity Justice
Brad Renfro Dies

Brad RefroTMZ has learned actor Brad Renfro is dead.

The 25-year-old actor was found dead at his Los Angeles home this morning. The cause of death has not been determined, however, Renfro had a history of drug abuse.

Sources tell us Renfro, who had starring roles in "The Client" and "Apt Pupil" had been working valiantly to stay clean, especially since this summer. Renfro had been convicted of several drug offenses, including attempted heroin possession.

Renfro had been filming a movie with Winona Ryder and Billy Bob Thornton. The movie, "The Informers," just wrapped.

Renfro has had a rough time personally since moving from Tennessee to Los Angeles. His parents split, and we're told he did not have real guidance from adults as he tried navigating the treacherous movie industry.



Tags: Brad Renfro, BradRenfro

Reader Comments

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1. Brad and I went to rehab together in 2001 and became close friends during those 30 days. I remember writing him a letter before he left and telling him I didn't want to see him die before he fulfilled his destiny because he had so much talent. We lost touch over the years, but I always wished the best for him. For those of you who don't know -- his mother introduced him to drugs when he was 9 years old. He didn't exactly have a fighting start. Sure, people have survived worse. But he did go through a lot and didn't have a support system in place....just a bunch of free loading friends who encouraged his drug use. I feel horrible that he is gone. But hope he finds peace.

Posted at 2:31PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by LWest

2. I believe that Hollywood takes advantage of young people who are struggling, I believe that head honchos see what these kids are doing and they still get hired, so these kids never see the consequences to their drug and alcohol use. It is tragic and it is a waste of talent. When is the soul of these actors going to be worth more than the almighty dollar. Ergo Heath Ledger, and hopefully someone will intervene before Britney Spears dies by accidental overdose.

Posted at 8:53AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Tisha

3. It seems ridiculous to me that people that don't know him can go on here and talk horribly about someone that passed away. They do not know all the details and have no right to say what they were saying. However, for those who did know him such as I have for a long time, he was a good person and will be missed as the person who was loved. For those who feel you are cool to talk about him to make yourself feel better, you are the ones that should be looked at. God bless Brad

Posted at 8:11PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by nihu

4. When I first saw Brad in The Client, I was blown away with his southern accent and his ability to light up the screen. I fell even more in love with him and Jonathan Taylor Thomas in Disney's Tom and Huck. Between the untimely death of both Brad and Heath Ledger, all I can really say is Hollywood will never been quite the same without these two amazing, charming, talented men. The world shares in their families pain. May they both rest in peace.

Posted at 8:46AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Mourning his loss

5. he was my favorite .. God this hurts !!! I Loved Him So Much


you'll always be in my heart boy !!

SAY NO TO DRUGS !!!!

Posted at 5:42PM on Jan 24th 2008 by Jill

6. I cant believe it!! Ive only just found this out! After this and Heath what next? Both favourite actors of mine. I am honestly stunned and sadened.

Posted at 8:30PM on Jan 24th 2008 by Vix

7. How sad and such a waste. It is so sad how so many beautiful souls get caught up in the Game of drugs and fame.

Posted at 10:38AM on Jan 25th 2008 by Sheila

8. brad i miss you so much and will always remember our times together a few years ago when things were simpler. i wish i could have had one last kiss...i love you always, rip

Posted at 10:11PM on Jan 25th 2008 by Vanessa

9. It was a shocker, I had just seen him a couple of weeks prior and now I have these memories of him, and things he said and did in my head, I can recall the day we met, his antics were far from entertaining.. I guess now I can peice all the signs together and say I should have seen it coming, but instead I judged him for who he was I called him just another actor who couldint be trusted for he is acting for no one knows who he is. I never belived a word he said and I totaly regret it.. He ment it he ment every word and action. I never took him seriously.. its sad.. I dont think he respected himself in any way, its weird this fame game.. I doubt anyone really knew him..

Posted at 4:57AM on Jan 26th 2008 by J M ROJAS

10. Brad has died, a week later Heath dies. All week everyday there was news concerning his death. What is the difference between Brad and Heath apart from the fact that they both were fine actors and very young. Heath was more known maybe. But it is both upsetting to see talented actors die at a young age.
What a sad loss. And to my opinion unneccesary.
I do blame Hollywood.
Britney and Lindsay I hope you are not the next victims.

Posted at 2:20PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Judith

11. I was devastated to hear the news last night during my performance on the radio. We were discussing appreciating life and how precious it is, when the DJ told me that Brad Renfro had passed away. I felt like I was hit by a ton of bricks!!! I am deeply saddened...I had the pleasure of knowing sweet Brad and hanging with him on a few occassions. From what I know, he was trying hard to stay clean & he would frequent the restaurant where I used to waitress as it was down the street from his home, order a few shakes, watch some tv, and have great conversations. He was an amazing artist...not many people know that he was a musician, he liked to paint as well as being an amazing actor! He was a fighter and was constantly battling lifes obstacles that came his way. He is in a better place now and he will be missed! What truly breaks my heart is how young he was, and how he spoke of his child with sooo much love to offer...he seemed like he wanted to better himself to bring his family together.

Posted at 11:58PM on Jan 27th 2008 by Denise Vasquez

12. I am shocked at how many mean spirited, judgemental people there are on this thing! If you do not care then why are you bothering to post nasty messages? Show some respect for the dead and some understanding for those who do not have it all together. Life is hard and drugs and alcohol are attractive catalysts to numb the pain. People seem to forget that something like this can happen to anyone, we are all one pay check away from being homeless, so to speak! It is a scary reality that some can wish death on another human being, especially for battling their own demons. Like mom always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say then do not say anything at all!

Posted at 10:02AM on Jan 29th 2008 by Zoltan Shani Mayne

13. I can't believe everyone's all in a tizzy about that hack Heath Ledger dying, and noone remembers the true genius Brad Renfro!
That is the true tragedy, that his death has gone unnoticed!

Posted at 4:13PM on Jan 30th 2008 by Olaf Skallagrimson

14. Brad Renfro was the most amazing and sweetest boy and he was a amazing actor too and he did is first movie when he was only 12 years old i mean that is so brave and amazing of him.I really like him so mutch is sweet face and pretty and beutiful eyes.I can“t still belive that he is gone i wish someting could bring him back.He was one of my favorites but i will keep Brad safe in my heart and i will never forgett him.I hope the angels keep u safe brad and R.I.P Brad Renfro.

Posted at 7:39AM on Jan 31st 2008 by boylover86

15. Brad was the most amazing and talented actor and i remember when i saw him in is first movie when he was only 12years old The Client and he was so brave and so talented and so young.And he was one of my favorite actors and i liked him so mutch he was the most sweetest and cutest boy with so beutiful eyes.I miss im deeply and i am allways going to keep him safe in my heart and allways remember him for the great actor that he was and will allways be to me.R.I.P Brad Renfro

Posted at 7:36AM on Jan 31st 2008 by boylover86

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