Jackson Odell, a former teen actor and songwriter, was tragically found dead on Friday at a sober living facility in the San Fernando Valley.
He was 20 years old.
Odell is likely best known to television fans for his recurring role on television’s The Goldbergs, on which he portrayed student Ari.
Along with this role on the ABC sitcom, Odell also appeared on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and made an appearance on Modern Family.
His big screen career included the 2011 children’s film Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.
According to TMZ, the outlet that broke this unfortunate piece of news, Odell was discovered unresponsive in the aforementioned sober living home; there were no signs of foul play.
A successful singer and songwriter, Odell had been involved in acting since the age of 12.
Most recently, the 20-year old had transitioned from acting into the music world, having written numerous songs for the soundtrack of the 2018 movie Forever Your Girl, including the Lauren Alaina hit, “Wings of an Angel.”
On iCarly, though, he played a character named Gumbo in a single episode.
Jackson was also known, as mentioned above, for playing Ted Durkas on Modern Family.
The character was Manny’s romantic rival and bully, attempting in vain to win Fiona’s affection and humiliate Manny on an installment of this wildly popular program.
Prior to becoming Ari for eight episodes on The Goldbergs, Jackson had brief stints on Arrested Development and The Fosters.
In the wake of this horrible development, Odell’s fans and co-workers took to social media to mourn his untimely loss, sharing their thoughts and condolences on Twitter and Instagram.
Wrote entertainment reporter Rachael Ellenbogen, for instance:
“No!! Jackson Odell was so insanely talented.
“Not just for random shows & movies, but for his music. Followed him on YT for yrs & made sure to include him in an article I did at my 1st internship yrs ago.
“Then went to see #ForeverMyGirl opening night to support his songwriting.”
Odell’s death caps a troubling and depressing week in Hollywood.
First, Kate Spade was found dead of suicide in her Manhattan apartment. The designer was only 55 years old.
Then, Anthony Bourdain was found dead of suicide in a French hotel. The celebrity chef and TV star was 61 years old.
May they, Jackson Odell and all the celebrities listed below all rest in peace.
