Black Actors Who Tragically Died by Suicide

The entertainment world has frequently been shaken by the loss of talented individuals who struggled with mental health challenges behind the scenes. These male Black actors contributed significantly to film and television through their diverse performances and charismatic presence. Their deaths brought awareness to the importance of mental health support within the creative community and among the public. This list honors their professional legacies while acknowledging the tragic circumstances of their passing.

Moses J. Moseley

Moses J. Moseley was an actor and model who gained a following for his recurring role as one of the walkers on the hit horror series ‘The Walking Dead’. He appeared in other high profile productions including the film ‘The Hunger Games Catching Fire’ and the television series ‘Watchmen’ on HBO. His career was steadily growing with several independent projects and commercial appearances added to his resume over the years. In early 2022 his body was discovered in Stockbridge, Georgia after his family reported him missing to the authorities. Law enforcement later confirmed that his death was the result of a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Sam Sarpong

Sam Sarpong was a multi talented entertainer who worked as a model for Tommy Hilfiger before moving into acting and hosting duties. He was widely known for co hosting the MTV show ‘Yo Momma’ alongside Wilmer Valderrama where he engaged with audiences through comedy and style. His filmography included appearances in movies like ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’ and television series such as ‘Bones’ and ‘ER’. In October 2015 he passed away after jumping from a bridge in Pasadena following hours of negotiation with local law enforcement. His family remembered him as a dedicated professional who had a deep passion for the creative arts.

Lee Thompson Young

Lee Thompson Young rose to fame as the titular character in the Disney Channel series ‘The Famous Jett Jackson’ during the late nineties. He later transitioned into adult roles with a prominent part as Detective Barry Frost on the police procedural drama ‘Rizzoli & Isles’. His career included guest appearances on popular shows like ‘Smallville’ and ‘Scrubs’ where he showcased his versatility as a performer. In August 2013 he was found dead in his Los Angeles home after failing to show up for work on his current television project. His family later confirmed that he had been managing bipolar disorder before his passing.

Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius was the visionary creator and host of the influential music franchise ‘Soul Train’ which played a pivotal role in promoting Black culture and music. While he was primarily known as a producer and host he also appeared as an actor in films like ‘Tapeheads’ and television shows such as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. He spent decades shaping the entertainment landscape by providing a platform for legendary artists and dancers to reach a mainstream audience. In February 2012 he died at his home in Los Angeles from a self inflicted gunshot wound at the age of seventy five. His legacy continues through the cultural impact of his work and the numerous awards he received throughout his lifetime.

Please share your memories of these talented performers and their work in the comments.