Yahoo Finance Degrassi: The Next Generation stars pay tribute to late castmate Jahmil French
Stars We've Lost 2021
Remembering the stars we've lost in 2021.
In the wake of Canadian actor Jahmil French's death at 29, his former castmates from Degrassi: The Next Generation have been paying tribute to him on social media.
Smith landed his breakout role as Degrassi Community School student Dave Turner, whose most notable relationship was with his rebellious classmate Alli Bhandari, played by Melinda Shankar.
On Tuesday, Shankar posted a series of photos with French through the years on Instagram, along with a caption that said, "you will always hold such a special place in my heart. Thank you for being one of the most talented, compassionate, kindest, funniest friends I have. You were so loved."
Shanker also tweeted, "Bhandurner forever in my heart," which fellow Degrassi actress Lauren Collins quoted and added, "Jahmil was an undeniable talent. I didn't know him well but boy, did he make an impression. Funny, engaging, a real firecracker. Truly devastating news. Sending love to the whole Degrassi family."
Jahmil was an undeniable talent. I didn't know him well but boy, did he make an impression. Funny, engaging, a real firecracker. Truly devastating news. Sending love to the whole Degrassi family. https://t.co/Z3nWbemlMr
— Lauren Collins (@Lauren_Collins) March 2, 2021
Alexandria Benoit, who played another of Turner's exes, Sadie, shared memories of French on Instagram as well, noting, "He played every scene with a new beat that always kept it interesting and fresh."
Several of the actors who worked most closely with French on the iconic Canadian teen drama series joined in on sharing pictures with him, including Luke Bilyk, Jordan Todosey, and Annie Clark (who played Drew Torres, Adam Torres, and Fiona Coyne).
Bilyk wrote, "I'll always remember you dancing down the halls of the green room," while Todosey tweeted, "I thank you for all the times you made me laugh, taught me dance moves, and gave me confidence as Adam."
A sad day for the Degrassi family. With a heavy heart I thank you for all the times you made me laugh, taught me dance moves, and gave me confidence as Adam. Thinking of all the memories we shared on and off of set. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KzzqXhvOzY
— Jordy Todosey (@JordyTodosey) March 2, 2021
Meanwhile, Clark posted a video to Twitter of French dancing, which costar Aislinn Paul (who played Clare Edwards) retweeted. "Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French, Clark wrote. "This video is how I'll always think of him. So full of energy and fun."
Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French. This video is how I’ll always think of him. So full of energy and fun. He was always dancing. A true talent and a great friend. We will all miss you so much Jahmil 💔 pic.twitter.com/hgKibZ1h1j
— Annie Clark (@anniejclark) March 2, 2021
Read on for more 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
Jahmil had such talent and charisma that it would have been intimidating were he not also a real gentleman. He would show up to my house-parties with a crew of dancers and they would elevate the mood immediately. When life got messy he would handle himself with grace and levity. https://t.co/gDxmXdb6IA
— Sam Earle (@Smearle_RH) March 2, 2021
Still doesn’t and will never feel real. Rest In Peace Jahmil 🕊 https://t.co/bZa61pbQRt
— Saudin (@AJSaudin) March 2, 2021
Jahmil was one of the most gifted and effortless perfomers I’ve ever met. His vibrant personality lit up the room. Rest easy my friend. ❤️
— Munro Chambers (@The_Munro) 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
✨🤍 Thinking of Jahmil French & the entire Degrassi family today 🤍✨ pic.twitter.com/KdZUveEMML
— XXXDRIVE (@luxxxstone) March 2, 2021
Terribly sad to hear about Jahmil's passing. Whether I was his scene partner, or just a viewer, I was in awe of his sheer talent. A room was brighter because he was in it. A true performer, a great guy and a huge loss. #RestInPeace
— Justin Kelly (@IsJustKelly) 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
My heart is so heavy.. Truly one of a kind. Rest In Peace 🕊 pic.twitter.com/vW31v2U5BL
— Cristine Prosperi (@CrisProsperi) March 2, 2021
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