Jeremy Applegate was a promising actor who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1980s and 1990s. He is best known for his role as Peter Dawson, the nerdy friend of Veronica (Winona Ryder) in the cult classic Heathers (1988). However, his life was cut short by a tragic suicide in 2000. What led him to take his own life? And how did his family and friends cope with his loss? This article will explore the life and death of Jeremy Applegate, and the impact he had on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Jeremy Applegate was born on August 29, 1965 in San Jose, California, as Paul Andrew Boyce. He was named by his sisters after Paul McCartney of the Beatles fame. He changed his name to Jeremy Applegate in 1983, when he started his acting career. According to IMDb1, he made his debut in the TV series Superior Court in 1987, playing Dean Ogden. He then appeared in several other shows, such as Our House, My Two Dads, 21 Jump Street, and The Rockford Files.
His breakthrough role came in 1988, when he starred as Peter Dawson in Heathers, a dark comedy about a group of teenage girls who plot to kill their popular classmates. Applegate played the geeky and loyal friend of Veronica, who helps her fake a suicide note for one of the victims. He also had a memorable scene where he prays in front of the corpse of his friend: “I will never commit suicide at a Heathers funeral.” The film was a critical and commercial success, and has since become a cult classic.
Applegate continued to work in film and television throughout the 1990s, although he never achieved the same level of fame as Heathers. Some of his notable roles include Scandal in a Small Town (1988), Lies of the Heart: The Story of Laurie Kellogg (1994), The Cable Guy (1996), and A madman at home (1996).
Suicide and Aftermath
On March 23, 2000, Applegate committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a shotgun, at the age of 34. According to Second Wiki, he was overwhelmed by lack of work and personal problems. His remains were cremated and given to his relatives.
His death shocked and saddened his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and kind person. Winona Ryder, who played his friend in Heathers, paid tribute to him in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2000. She said: “He was such a sweet guy. He was so funny. He had this great sense of humor. He was really smart. He was really special.”
Applegate’s legacy lives on through his films and shows, which are still enjoyed by many viewers today. He is also remembered for his role in raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health issues. According to EverybodyWiki, he donated his organs to help others in need. His family also established a memorial fund in his name, which supports various charities and causes.
Conclusion
Jeremy Applegate was a young actor who had a promising career ahead of him. He starred in several films and shows, most notably Heathers, which made him a cult icon. However, he struggled with depression and lack of work, which led him to take his own life in 2000. His death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and his loved ones. He is remembered for his talent, humor, kindness, and generosity. His cause of death also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health care and suicide prevention.
