'Rizzoli & Isles' to Honor Lee Thompson Young in Season 5
"Rizzoli & Isles" star Angie Harmon announced plans to honor her late co-star Lee Thompson Young once the fifth season of the hit drama gets underway later this year.
"Hope you enjoyed @RizzoliIslesTNT season 4 finale," Harmon posted to Twitter on Wednesday, March 19 as the season concluded on TNT. "Season 5 eps 1&2 address our beloved Lee w/ love, honor & respect. Thank you @JanNash100."
Back in August, 29-year-old Young committed suicide in his Los Angeles home. The actor portrayed Detective Barry Frost on "Rizzoli & Isles," and his death rocked the entire cast and crew of the television series.
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Ahead of the season four finale this week, executive producer Jan Nash told fans via Twitter that "Rizzoli & Isles" staff were refraining from tweeting as a show of respect for Thompson Young.
"Out of respect for our colleague Lee Thompson Young, the staff of R&I will not be live tweeting during tonight's episode. @RizzoliIslesTNT," the producer wrote.
Meanwhile, Young had appeared on "Rizzoli & Isles" since 2010, and before that, he starred on the Disney Channel from 1998 to 2001 on "The Famous Jett Jackson." The actor died on Aug. 19 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Young's death took place during the production of "Rizzoli & Isles" season four, according to Deadline. Production was then halted, giving the cast and crew time to grieve. Moreover, writers of the show had to devise a new storyline for Young's character.
Back in August, "Rizzoli & Isles" paid tribute to Young by dedicating an episode to him. A title card was put on the screen with the words, "In Loving Memory of Lee Thompson Young 1984-2013." Two short, silent clips were also revealed of Young from the show before the screen faded to black.
