Jahmil French, an actor known for his role as Dave Turner in the series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” has passed away.
As reported by Variety, his agent Gabrielle Kachman confirms the news on March 2. Additionally, that cause of Jahmil’s passing has not yet been made public. However, in a statement, his agent says:
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and client Jahmil French. He will be remembered by many for his passion for the arts, his commitment to his craft, and his vibrant personality. I ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, French’s other credits include; A Day Late and a Dollar Short alongside Whoopi Goldberg, The Divide, Boost. Recently, the Canadian actor had a hand in Netflix’s Soundtrack; a musical drama that premiered on the streaming platform in December 2019.
After news of Jahmil’s passing broke, Soundtrack’s writer Joshua Safran took to Twitter to dedicate some words to the actor. His Degrassi co-stars Melinda Shankar and Annie Clark also paid tribute to Jahmil on their social accounts.
I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday. Only posting because I see the story getting out there. I will have more to say about him later. Right now we’re all just processing this devastating news.
— chisme chica (@Anthologist) March 2, 2021
So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel. Blessed that we got to be part of a big dysfunctional family together. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I just hope you knew how loved you were. pic.twitter.com/6upmYClo3r
— Melinda Shankar (@melindashankar) March 2, 2021
“Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French. We started on Degrassi the same year and I’ll never forget the day I met him. Jahmil was so full of energy and [an] absolute joy to be around. The video on the last slide is how I always think of him. He was such a special person and I’m so grateful for the memories we made. I still can’t believe it. Gone way too soon. He will be so missed by us all.”
Aside from his immediate co-stars, other Degrassi alumni also wrote condolence messages to Jahmil. Actor Stefan Brogren, who appeared on Degrassi: Next Class, took to Twitter to praise Jahmil as an actor; as well as remembering him fondly.
“He performed Dave with such sensitivity and thoughtfulness and could make me laugh so easily. It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be missed. This is a real loss. Rest In Peace,” he wrote on Twitter. Jessica Tyler and Chloe Rose also posted tributes.
I’m sick with the news of Jahmil’s passing. He performed Dave with such sensitivity and thoughtfulness and could make me laugh so easily. It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be missed. This is a real loss. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZbCyqNulkC
— Stefan Brogren (@stefanbrogren) March 2, 2021
Rest easy, my friend. Your talent, kindness and shining bright light will never be forgotten ❤️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/e0RuupVUe6
— Jessica Tyler (@JessicaTyler__) March 2, 2021
Still in shock. Jahmil will be missed. He was an integral part of the Degrassi family and certainly a huge part of my degrassi days. He always wanted to make people laugh and smile, a true joy to be around. Rest in Peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6RewkjcFa1
— Chloe Rose (@ChloeRose4) March 2, 2021
