Brad Renfro Dies

Posted Jan 15th 2008 6:34PM by TMZ Staff

Brad Refro TMZ 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.

Filed under: Celebrity Justice, R.I.P.

Comments [469]

Digg it Del.icio.us My Yahoo Sphere RSS MySpace Permalink Email

Reader Comments

(Page 28 of 32)Previous 15 Comments | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

406. i was so upset when i heard brad died, he was a fave of mine growin up im the same age he is!! he had a natural talent and was so damn hot! i really hope his death was not drug related despite what the media says

Posted at 12:15AM on Jan 20th 2008 by amandarae

407. How horrible and yes Hollywood is to blame once again! Damn their eyes! I loved Brad, he wasa a good guy.

Posted at 1:55AM on Jan 20th 2008 by aaron

408. we make our own way, cant throw the blame on life, or where you are in it...

Posted at 9:46AM on Jan 20th 2008 by michael d

409. I hung out with Brad a few times. He was in great in giving me freebies he got from shows and what nots. Too bad he died. I have to go work for a livng now!

Posted at 5:45PM on Jan 20th 2008 by Steve King

410. wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I was just watching Bully on Saturday and that happens 2 be my favorite movie...so sad

Posted at 10:09PM on Jan 20th 2008 by Lady T.I.P.

411. This is not Hollywood's fault but I do believe the seem to constantly 'overlook' problems like this. Brad Renfro was a great talent, I remember seeing him in "The Cure" and instantly thinking "What a great actor he'll be!" I think the pressure is too great and the talent is constantly being sucked dry by the time these kids his early adulthood. Then, sadly, most are thrown away for a new batch that is always waiting.

Take note young ones, drugs solve nothing.

Posted at 10:37PM on Jan 20th 2008 by jynx

412. huwaaaiiiiiixxxx.... xo.. xo.. xad

Posted at 2:49AM on Jan 21st 2008 by fara elmahda

413. This is such a tragic ending to a start of what was to be a promising career. In my opinion "Bully" was one of his better performances, soo honest and dark. I truely feel sad for his family and friends, for this is such a great loss. Hopefully (only in our dreams) this will wake up hollywood and help them realize they can't continue to exploit these young actors/actresses, this goes for the media as well (TMZ). R.I.P buddy!!!

Posted at 4:10AM on Jan 21st 2008 by Mark Armstead (Phillyroxx)

414. What a shame. He was so good looking and a great actor. I will miss him. When are these actors and actress gonna start to learn. Did we not learn anything from Chris Farley. Smarten up Hollywood you may be ubove the law but not death.

Posted at 11:25AM on Jan 21st 2008 by James

415. i was in shock i still cant believe it i just started talking to him last month myspace i had a crush on him since i was 9 i was soo sad i cried all day he was a good man and i am really going to miss him. He may have had it rough patch but he was taken to early.

RIP Brad

MAY GOD'S ANGELS TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

Posted at 3:08PM on Jan 21st 2008 by jami

416. That's really sad. I'm a recovering alcoholic and addict myself. It is hard enough to stay clean OUT of the public eye; I can only imagine how it was like IN hollywood. Very tragic.

Posted at 7:57PM on Jan 21st 2008 by lisa

417. This isnt any sadder than anyone else none of you people have ever heard of passing away, just because the guy was a star doesnt mean he didnt have this comming. Its hard to have empathy for selfdestructive people like this guy. Get a clue and join the real world here folks.

Posted at 5:10AM on Jan 22nd 2008 by heh

418. i'm heart broken to hear of his premature death. he was such an intense and dead on actor. once he''s on screen, you can't keep your eyes off of him. my prayes go out too his loved ones who are in more pain than any fan could ever be. i'm really sad that this happened to a wonderful and extremly gifted person!! to his mom and dad, i'm sure you did the best you could do to insure his safety in this world. please, if you are, don't blame your selves. with even the best intentions, what you hope and pray for sometimes just turns into a nightmare. may god be w/those survied by him.

Posted at 5:48AM on Jan 22nd 2008 by velica

419. be carefull after your clean

Posted at 10:55AM on Jan 22nd 2008 by jd roch

420. What a sad loss.

To fully understand Brad was to know him & his background. My brother & he were friends in Tennessee, and both had moved on to successful careers. He was a acting prodigy from the middle of nowhere. He grew up in an area that did not produce dreams about Hollywood & acting, but the hope that you could get a well paying job in a local factory & try to survive for the remainder of your life. A bleak existence that turned into a bright star. You will be missed Ren.

Rest in sweet peace.

Posted at 12:14PM on Jan 22nd 2008 by Melonious

Previous 15 Comments | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments