Producers of the TNT crime-drama, "Rizzoli & Isles," are ready to say good-bye to one of their own as they address the death of actor Lee Thompson Young in the upcoming fifth season.
According to E! News, the show's star, Angie Harmon, shared the news on Twitter after the season four finale aired in the U.S. On Tuesday, she wrote, "Hope you enjoyed @RizzoliIslesTNT season 4 finale. Season 5 eps 1&2 address our beloved Lee w/ love, honor & respect. Thank you @JanNash100."
No other cast or crew members tweeted during the season four finale of Rizzoli & Isles. Executive producer Jan Nash explained through Twitter that they did not tweet out of respect for Young.
"Out of respect for our colleague Lee Thompson Young, the staff of R&I will not be live tweeting during tonight's episode," Nash wrote.
The 29-year-old actor was found dead in his North Hollywood apartment last August from an apparent suicide. The show shut down production on Season five following Young's death in order to allow the cast and crew an opportunity to grieve.
Young had been with the series since it began in 2010. After his death, an episode of "Rizzoli & Isles" was dedicated to the actor with a memorial card onscreen that said, "In Loving Memory of Lee Thompson Young, 1984 - 2013." Silent footage of young playing his "Rizzoli & Isles" character Detective Barry Frost followed the memorial card.
"Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young," Janet Tamaro, the show's creator, said in a statement on behalf of TNT. "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."
Season five of "Rizzoli & Isles" premieres on June 17 on TNT.
