by Bob B.
Member since:
October 20, 2007

Obituary:Brad Renfro

January 16, 2008 10:28 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 23

Brad Renfro was an American actor. A native of the state of Tennessee, he made a prominent movie debut in 1994 in the title role of The Client at the age of 11 years old. He acted in 24 movies and several television episodes during his career; however, much of his career was marred by a pattern of substance abuse and occasional petty crime. In 2006, he spent 10 days in jail for conviction of driving while under the influence and attempted heroin possession.

Renfro was ten when he was discovered by Mali Finn, a casting director for Joel Schumacher. Cast by Finn for Schumacher's The Client, Renfro acted alongside Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones. The movie was based on the bestselling John Grisham novel and became one of the top-grossing films of 1994.

Renfro was found dead on January 15, 2008 in his Los Angeles apartment, after he had reportedly spent the previous night drinking with friends. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Comments: 23

Connie C. Jan 16, 2008, 10:32pm UTC
That is so sad. I remember him in "The Client" He was a great actor in that one.
Bob C. Jan 16, 2008, 10:33pm UTC
I heard about this Bob, it is very sad. Here was a young man that I think if he had taken a different course and had better guidance he could have been one of the greatest actors for years.
Bob B. Jan 16, 2008, 10:34pm UTC
It is sad, Connie. He was so young.
Bob B. Jan 16, 2008, 10:35pm UTC
I agree, Bob. It seems we're seeing more and more successful young people unable to handle life.
Beaker (just Beaker) Jan 16, 2008, 10:39pm UTC
Hadn't heard that news. It's a shame that there's not some way to keep young actors' feet on the ground when they suddenly hit it big. So many lives have been lost, and so many have become a source of gossip and public ridicule (Britney's current escapades, and the last years of Anna Nicole come to mind).
Bob B. Jan 16, 2008, 10:40pm UTC
J.K. -

The first name that came to my mind after hearing of this was Britney.
JoAnn C. Jan 16, 2008, 10:47pm UTC
How sad. It's a shame these young actors who have a chance for a better life than most turn to drugs and alchol.
Bob B. Jan 16, 2008, 10:51pm UTC
It really is a shame, JoAnn.
Marianne R. Jan 16, 2008, 11:21pm UTC
What a shame of someone so young (and good looking too).
Bob B. Jan 16, 2008, 11:40pm UTC
He was a good looking young man, Maryanne.
David F. Jan 17, 2008, 12:50am UTC
I've seen Brad in a few of his films, including "Apt Pupil", "Bully", and "Tom and Huck". This is sad; he had some real talent.
J W. Jan 17, 2008, 12:53am UTC
so tragic
Bob B. Jan 17, 2008, 10:42am UTC
He was very talented, David.
Bob B. Jan 17, 2008, 11:14am UTC
It is tragic, J.
David C. Jan 17, 2008, 11:20am UTC
Very tragic. At this age or really any age. There is so much pressure on young stars, its amazing that anyone can survive it.
Bob B. Jan 17, 2008, 11:30am UTC
It truly is, David.
Crystal R. Jan 17, 2008, 1:41pm UTC
My best friend was a huge fan of his. She loved the movie Sleepers. It is truly sad to see his life end so early.
Bob B. Jan 17, 2008, 2:07pm UTC
Thank you, Lyla.
Bob B. Jan 17, 2008, 2:08pm UTC
It is sad, Crystal.
William M. Jan 17, 2008, 11:46pm UTC
It is a shame for things like this to happen, especially to the young.
Bob B. Jan 18, 2008, 8:36am UTC
Yes, it is, William.
*Mel * Jan 14, 2009, 7:24am UTC
its been almot a year!!! R.I.P Brad renfro!!
Bob B. Jan 14, 2009, 10:27pm UTC
R.I.P., Brad. Thanks, melanie.

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