Due to his roles in numerous television programs and advertisements, Jonathan Brandis, an American performer, became one of the most recognizable faces on television. His most well-known performance was as “Bill Denbrough” in the American supernatural horror film “It,” which was adapted from the Stephen King book of the same name. He started his career as a child model and appeared in several advertisements before branching out into acting. After making his acting debut in the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live” as “Kevin Buchanan,” he went on to portray other significant parts, such as “Bastian Bux” in the German-American fantasy film “The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter.” He appeared in numerous television programs, telefilms, and motion pictures over the following years. But in the late 1990s, his work began to falter, which led to his depression and suicide. He passed away suddenly when he was only 27 years old.
Jonathan Brandis’s Career
Jonathan Brandis began his career at a very early age, appearing in a number of high-profile brands’ commercials. After establishing himself as a familiar figure, he was cast as “Young Kevin Riley Buchanan” in the ABC television series “One Life to Live.” At the age of nine, he relocated to Los Angeles with his family following the auspicious start of his acting career. After that, he made a number of cameos in programs like “Kate & Allie,” “Buck James,” “L.A. Law,” “Webster,” and “Who’s the Boss?”
He made an appearance in the 1990 American supernatural horror film “It,” which was adapted from the same-titled book by Stephen King. In that movie, which also starred well-known performers like Richard Thomas, John Ritter, Dennis Christopher, Annette O’Toole, Harry Anderson, Tim Reid, and Richard Masur, Brandis played the role of 12-year-old “Bill Denbrough.”
He was cast as “Bastian Bux” in the German-American fantasy picture “The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter” (the follow-up to “The NeverEnding Story”) that same year. Later in 1992, he starred opposite legendary actors like Rodney Dangerfield and Chuck Norris in movies like “Ladybugs” and “Sidekicks.”
Brandis received his biggest break and took on his most significant acting part at the age of seventeen. In “SeaQuest DSV,” he was given the part of “Lucas Wolenczak”. The first two seasons of the American science fiction TV show were co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Rockne S. O’Bannon. Brandis was a part of the program for its full run, appearing in 57 episodes as the brilliant scientist “Lucas Wolenczak” and winning the hearts of viewers.
As Preston Atherton in “Her Last Chance,” Randolph “Rand” Thompson in “Born Free: A New Adventure,” Mousy in “Outside Providence,” Cave Wyatt in “Ride with the Devil,” and Neil Weatherford in “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze,” Brandis made several appearances in movies and television shows over the following ten years (released posthumously). Throughout his tenure, he was also well known for writing screenplays and helming a number of independent movies.
Jonathan’s Individual Existence
On April 13, 1976, Gregory Brandis, a food wholesaler, and Mary Brandis, a teacher by trade, welcomed Jonathan Gregory Brandis into the world in Danbury, Connecticut. After graduating in 1993 from Valley Professional School, Brandis began his career in broadcasting. Between 1995 and 1998, he had a three-year relationship with the vocalist and actress Tatyana Ali. The couple was additionally highlighted in a “People” magazine story.
Jonathan Brandis’s Death
Brandis’ reputation began to wane in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to turn it around. His resulting descent into chronic depression led to his hanging himself in the entryway of his Los Angeles apartment on November 11, 2003. When the police found him hanging, they did not locate a suicide note. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center by the rescuers, where he passed away in the early hours of November 12.
Estimated Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2003, American actor, producer, and screenwriter Jonathan Brandis had a $400k net worth. Jonathan Brandis died in November 2003. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut, in April 1976.