The TNT crime-drama Rizzoli & Isles will address the tragic death of actor Lee Thompson Young in August in the beginning of the upcoming fifth season, according to the show’s star Angie Harmon on Wednesday.
Production on Rizzoli & Isles halted when Thompson died from an apparent suicide Aug. 19 at the age of 29.
The cast and crew did not live-tweet during the season 4 finale of Rizzoli & Isles when it aired on Tuesday. Executive producer Jan Nash explained via Twitter that they did not tweet during the episode out of respect for 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
— Jan Nash (@JanNash100) March 18, 2014
Harmon posted a tweet indicating the death of Young would be recognized the following season.
Hope you enjoyed @RizzoliIslesTNT season 4 finale. Season 5 eps 1&2 address our beloved Lee w/ love, honor & respect. Thank you @JanNash100
— Angie Harmon (@Angie_Harmon) March 19, 2014
The show’s creator Janet Tamaro offered kind words after Young’s passing last year.
“Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young,” Tamaro said. “We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother.”
The episode that aired after Young’s death was dedicated to the actor with a memorial card onscreen that said, “In Loving Memory of Lee Thompson Young, 1984 – 2013.”
Silent footage of young playing his Rizzoli & Isles character Detective Barry Frost followed the memorial card.
Rizzoli & Isles‘ fifth season premieres on June 17 on TNT.
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