Jonathan Gregory Brandis (13 April, 1976 - 12 November, 2003) was an American film and television actor, the only child of Greg and Mary Brandis of Danbury, Connecticut.
He received his first starring role in Michael Ende’s The NeverEnding Story II, and went on to appear primarily in television roles. Of these, he is most famous for his portrayal of scientific prodigy Lucas Wolenczak in Steven Spielberg’s futuristic science fiction series SeaQuest DSV.
During his lifetime he was romantically linked to Tatyana Ali, Heather McComb, Vinessa Shaw , and Monica Keena.
He expressed an interest in moving his career towards more directing work rather than acting, although he had auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’ Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
“On November 11, 2003, at about 11:40 p.m., a friend of Jonathan Brandis called police to report that the actor had attempted suicide at his apartment, located in the 600 block of Detroit Avenue. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported Brandis to Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he eventually died from his injuries. Brandis was pronounced dead by hospital staff on November 12, 2003, at about 2:45 p.m.” (LAPD press release)