Last August fans of Lee Thompson Young, as well as those of Rizzoli & Isles, were shocked to hear that Young had died from an apparent suicide.
Production of Rizzoli & Isles halted for a bit after Young’s death. At the time show creator Janet Tamaro said in a statement, “Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young. 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.”
Young’s death had many wondering how the show would address his passing in the upcoming season.
On Wednesday, star Angie Harmon took to Twitter to let fans of Young and the show know they would be addressing Young with “love, honor, and respect” in their upcoming fifth 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 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.
During Tuesday night’s season finale, fans and followers of the show and cast members noticed their absence on Twitter, where they can normally be found live-tweeting. Executive producer Jan Nash explained it was 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
Season 5 of Rizzoli & Isles will air June 17 on TNT.
T minus 90 days and counting. We look forward to showing you what we've been working on. @RizzoliIslesTNT #season5 #rizzoliandisles
— Jan Nash (@JanNash100) March 19, 2014
Image via Rizzoli & Isles, Twitter.
