Child star Austin Majors has reportedly died on the age of 27.
Majors — known for enjoying Theo Sipowicz, the son of Detective Andy Sipowicz, played by Dennis Franz, on ABC’s “NYPD Blue” — passed away while staying in a Los Angeles homeless housing facility on Saturday, in accordance with TMZ.
His reason behind death is unclear. A source told the outlet that although foul play was not suspected to be involved, Majors might need “ingested a fatal amount of fentanyl.”
Majors was expected to undergo an autopsy on Monday to find out if there was anything in his system on the time of death, in accordance with the insider.
The family issued an announcement on his death, telling TMZ that Majors, “was a loving, artistic, good and type human being. Austin took great joy and pride in his acting profession. He was an energetic Eagle Scout and graduated Salutatorian in highschool. He went on to graduate from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a passion of directing and music producing.
“Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories with Austin were growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with ‘Kids With a Cause’ and backpacking together,” the statement continued. “Austin was the form of son, brother, grandson and nephew that made us proud and we are going to miss him deeply ceaselessly.”
He was awarded the Young Artist Award for best performance in a TV series (comedy or drama) – young actor age ten or under in 2002.
Actor Franz called him a “joy to work with” in a testament posted on Majors’ website.
“He never has lost his enthusiasm to be on the set,” Franz’s sentiment read. “He just loves coming to work. He thinks of this as his playground and all of us as his older playmates! It’s Austin Majors Day when he’s here, he runs the show. But when he hears his cue, he gets a twinkle in his eye and he’s able to work.“
Along with his role in “NYPD Blue,” he nabbed guest parts in series including “Desperate Housewives” “NCIS,” “ER,” “Windfall,” “In line with Jim” and “American Dad!” He also appeared within the 2007 Lifetime movie “An Accidental Christmas,” and his final TV role was in a 2009 episode of “How I Met Your Mother.”
Majors’ part on “NYPD Blue” once stirred up controversy after his character walked in on a unadorned Det. Connie McDowell — played by Charlotte Ross — in an episode.
The scene resulted in a $1.4 million nice leveled at ABC from the Federal Communication Commission.
