The Tragic Truth: How Old Was Cameron Boyce When He Died, And The Legacy That Continues To Grow

The world of entertainment was shaken to its core on July 6, 2019, with the sudden passing of beloved actor Cameron Boyce. The news immediately sparked a global outpouring of grief and a pressing question from fans: exactly how old was the vibrant Disney Channel star when he died? As of today, December 18, 2025, Cameron Boyce's legacy remains incredibly strong, driven by the work of his family and The Cameron Boyce Foundation, which has turned a personal tragedy into a powerful force for public good and awareness. Cameron Boyce was just 20 years old when he died in his sleep, less than two months after celebrating his 20th birthday. His death was officially attributed to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a condition he had been privately managing for years. The shock of his passing not only highlighted the fragility of life but also brought crucial, life-saving awareness to epilepsy and SUDEP, a little-known consequence of the neurological disorder.

Cameron Boyce: A Full Biography and Career Overview

Cameron Mica Boyce was a dynamic American actor, dancer, and philanthropist whose career spanned over a decade, starting from a young age. His energetic performances and genuine kindness earned him millions of fans worldwide.

• Full Name: Cameron Mica Boyce
• Date of Birth: May 28, 1999
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Date of Death: July 6, 2019
• Age at Death: 20 years old
• Cause of Death: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
• Parents: Victor Boyce and Libby Boyce
• Sister: Maya Boyce
• Notable Roles: Luke Ross in Jessie, Carlos De Vil in the Descendants trilogy, and Keithie Feder in Grown Ups.

The Early Years: From Child Star to Disney Icon

Cameron Boyce began his professional career in 2008 at the age of nine. His early film appearances included the horror film Mirrors and the thriller Eagle Eye. He gained widespread recognition for his role as one of Adam Sandler’s children, Keithie Feder, in the comedy film Grown Ups (2010) and its sequel, Grown Ups 2 (2013). His breakout role came on the Disney Channel, where he quickly became a staple.

• Jessie (2011–2015): Boyce starred as Luke Ross, one of the four children being looked after by a nanny, alongside co-stars Debby Ryan, Peyton List, Skai Jackson, and Karan Brar.
• Descendants (2015): He was cast as the lovable, dog-fearing Carlos De Vil, the son of Cruella De Vil, in the musical fantasy film. This role cemented his status as a global teen idol.

The success of the first film led to the sequels Descendants 2 (2017) and Descendants 3, the latter of which was released posthumously.

The Tragic Cause of Death: Understanding SUDEP

Cameron Boyce's death brought a little-known medical condition into the global spotlight: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is defined as the sudden, unexpected, non-traumatic, and non-drowning death in people with epilepsy, with or without evidence of a seizure, where a post-mortem examination does not reveal a structural or toxicological cause of death. It is believed that a seizure stemming from his epilepsy caused his death. His family, including his parents Victor and Libby Boyce, stated that they had never heard of SUDEP before his passing, highlighting the severe lack of public awareness surrounding the condition. This lack of knowledge became a driving force for their future philanthropic work.

The Enduring Legacy: The Cameron Boyce Foundation and SUDEP Awareness

Immediately following his death, Cameron's family established The Cameron Boyce Foundation (TCBF) in 2019 to honor his life and legacy. The foundation operates with a dual mission: to find a cure for epilepsy and to carry on Cameron's passion for humanitarian work.

Fighting Epilepsy and SUDEP

A core focus of TCBF is raising awareness and funding research for SUDEP. The foundation has launched several key initiatives:

• KnowSUDEPNow.org: TCBF partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation to launch this website and a public service announcement featuring Cameron's parents and friends. The goal is to provide crucial information and resources about SUDEP.
• CURE Epilepsy Partnership: In a commitment to finding a cure, TCBF and CURE Epilepsy partnered to fund new SUDEP research, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind this fatal condition.
• Empowering Young Adults: TCBF empowers young adults living with epilepsy through education, support, and community, helping them navigate the challenges of the condition.

The 'Wielding Peace' Initiative

Before his death, Cameron was developing a social media campaign called "Wielding Peace." This initiative was created to combat gun violence by encouraging young people to use art and creativity as alternatives to weapons. The concept involved photographing celebrities and public figures "wielding" objects that represent peace, such as cameras, musical instruments, or books, instead of guns. The Cameron Boyce Foundation continues to champion this initiative, providing young people with artistic and creative outlets to promote positivity and non-violence, with current programs supporting organizations like Inner City Arts and Guitars over Guns.

Posthumous Releases and Tributes from Co-Stars

Despite his tragically short life, Cameron Boyce left behind a body of work that was released after his death, allowing fans one last chance to see his talent. * Descendants 3: The final installment of the Disney Channel franchise premiered shortly after his death, and the film was dedicated to his memory. * Runt: Cameron's final independent film, a teen drama titled Runt, was released posthumously in October. His mother, Libby Boyce, spoke about the complicated emotions of watching his final performance. His co-stars and friends have consistently paid tribute to his memory on anniversaries of his birth and death. Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, his co-stars in the Descendants franchise, and his Jessie co-stars, including Debby Ryan and Peyton List, have all spoken publicly about his profound impact on their lives, emphasizing his infectious positive energy and dedication to social justice. Cameron Boyce's passing at the age of 20 was a devastating loss, but his legacy, channeled through The Cameron Boyce Foundation, ensures that his spirit of generosity, activism, and infectious joy continues to inspire millions and, most importantly, saves lives through increased SUDEP awareness.