*We have sad news.
Leo O’Brien, star of the classic film, “The Last Dragon,” died on Wednesday morning at the age of 41.
According to reports, the autopsy was inconclusive, but the medical examiner’s office is awaiting toxicology results.
Lately Leo has been going through some hard times. Last year he told the Daily News that he was shot three times in Harlem, but was trying to recover from his past and revive his career, and his friendship with castmate Taimak Guarriello.
After hearing about the nearly fatal shooting, the pair rekindled their friendship and began shooting a film where Leo was cast as a Harlem gangster.
“He was very talented,” Taimak said. “It wasn’t like he lost his talent.”
“I think people should remember him as the talent that he was… He was a sweetheart and he had a good sense of humor.”
Report: Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez Tie the Knot in ...
Jesse Jackson Jr. Requests Prison Time Ahead of Wife’s
NeNe on the Miss Utah Debacle: ‘We All Make Mistakes’ ...
Obama Talks NSA, Syria, China on ‘Charlie Rose’ (Watch)
Paris Jackson a No Show Jackson for Taj Jackson’s ...
Some Fans Call Robin Thicke ‘Blurred Lines’ Song ...
Why Samsung Bought 1 Million Copies of Jay-Z’s Album
Petition Started to Have Nicci Gilbert Fired from ‘R&B ...
R.I.P.
I find it so sad that a little kid with as much talent as he had didn’t get more than a starring role in “The Last Dragon” and a bit part in “New Jack City”. In today’s media atmosphere or even a decade later than “The Last Dragon”, he would have been welcomed into the arms of Nickelodeon and/or The Disney Channel and now he would have been either a star or comfortably sitting in the director’s, producer’s or some other behind-the-scenes role, or have started his own kid’s comedy academy/studio for the next generation. But in the 80s and prior, you had to hustle. Without proper support, upbringing, education, and street smarts, you were left to the cruel world of entertainment and exploiters as a child star, which is why so many went south. Drew Barrymore was the lucky exception that escaped that life. Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, and a number of other kid stars, didn’t.
Luckily, at least Leo led a relatively quiet life where any missteps weren’t immediately the fodder of tabloids.
Damn….”41″!!! R.I.P. man.
Daggggg…and I loved that little cheesy movie. R.I.P. Leo a.k.a. Richie! Didn’t Sho’ nuff pass away, too??
Another sad story of child stars that fell on hard times as they got older.
So sorry to read this, R.I.P. brother.