“Degrassi” Actor Jahmil French Has Died at 29

Actor Jahmil French, most known for playing Dave Turner on Degrassi: Minis and Degrassi: The Next Generation, has died at age 29.  

As reported by Variety, his agent Gabrielle Kachman confirmed the news on March 2, writing, "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and client Jahmil French. 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."

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Jahmil’s other credits include A Day Late and a Dollar Short alongside Whoopi Goldberg, The Divide, Boost, and most recently Netflix’s Soundtrack, a musical drama that premiered on the streaming platform in December 2019 and was canceled in January 2020 after one season. After news of Jahmil’s passing broke, Soundtrack’s writer Joshua Safran took to Twitter to dedicate some words to the actor. "I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday. 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,” he wrote. 

His Degrassi co-stars Melinda Shankar and Annie Clark also paid tribute to Jahmil on their social accounts. “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,” the former wrote on Twitter. “Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French. We started on Degrassi the same year and I’ll never forget the day I met him,” the latter penned on Instagram, alongside various images and videos of the time the pair spent together. “Jahmil was so full of energy and [an] absolute joy to be around. The video on the last slide is how I always think of him. He was such a special person and I’m so grateful for the memories we made. I still can’t believe it. Gone way too soon. He will be so missed by us all.”

“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,” Melinda Leanna Shankar, who appeared on both Degrassi: Minis and Degrassi: The Next Generation, wrote on Instagram. “You were so loved. Sharing some of my fav pics over the years to highlight his bright light. I’ll miss our dance offs.” Degrassi: The Next Generation co-creator Linda Schuyler dedicated some words to Jahmil via the Degrassi Twitter account on March 2. 

Aside from his immediate co-stars, other Degrassi alumni also wrote condolence messages to Jahmil. Actor Stefan Brogren, who appeared on Degrassi: Next Class, took to Twitter to praise Jahmil as an actor and remember him fondly. “He performed Dave with such sensitivity and thoughtfulness and could make me laugh so easily. It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be missed. This is a real loss. Rest In Peace,” he wrote on Twitter. Jessica Tyler and Chloe Rose also posted tributes.

Jahmil’s cause of death has not yet been made public.

Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.

Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: The 13 Most Iconic Moments in ​*Degrassi*​ History