What was Jonathan Brandis's Net Worth?
Jonathan Brandis, an American actor, director, and screenwriter, had a net worth of $400 thousand at the time of his untimely death in 2003.
He began his career as a child on the soap opera "One Life to Live" and became known for roles in films and series such as "It," "NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter," and "seaQuest DSV." Tragically, Brandis died by suicide in 2003 after reportedly suffering from severe depression.
Early Life
Born on April 13, 1976, in Danbury, Connecticut, Jonathan Brandis was the only child of Mary and Greg Brandis. His mother was a teacher and personal manager, while his father worked as a food distributor and firefighter. Brandis’s showbiz journey began at the tender age of two as a child model for Buster Brown shoes. By age four, he was acting in television commercials. He attended San Fernando Valley Professional School and graduated in 1993.
(Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Career
Brandis's career flourished early. At six, he secured the role of Kevin Buchanan on the soap opera "One Life to Live," which he continued until 1983. Over the years, he appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "Kate & Allie," "Mystery Magical Special," "Sledge Hammer!," "Buck James," "Duet," "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," "L.A. Law," and "Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story."
His family relocated to Los Angeles to support his growing career when he was nine. That year, he narrated "Pet Sematary" and appeared in "Stepfather II." The late 80s and early 90s saw him taking roles in popular series like "Full House," "Who's the Boss?," "Alien Nation," and more. Notably, he played in "The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter" and the TV mini-series "It."
Getty
By 1993, he landed one of his most memorable roles as Lucas Wolenczak in "seaQuest DSV," which he played until 1996. In the mid-90s, he voiced Mozenrath in "Aladdin" and appeared in several other projects such as "Masters of Illusion," "Born Free: A New Adventure," and "Her Last Chance." He also reprised Mozenrath in "Aladdin's Arabian Adventures: Magic Makers."
Brandis continued appearing in films into the late 90s and early 2000s, including "Outside Providence," "Ride with the Devil," "Hart's War," and "The Year That Trembled." Unfortunately, his role in "Hart's War" was significantly cut, leading to his disappointment.
In 2003, he starred in "Between the Sheets" and appeared in the pilot for "111 Gramercy Park," which wasn't picked up. Posthumously, he appeared in "Puerto Vallarta Squeeze," "The Slainesville Boys," and "Bad Girls from Valley High." He was also featured in the 2021 documentary "Kid 90," which was directed by Soleil Moon Frye.
Personal Life and Death
From 1995 to 1998, Brandis dated actress and singer Tatyana Ali. They were featured together in an article in the July 1996 issue of "People" magazine.
However, as he got older, Brandis struggled with deepening depression and career frustrations. On November 11, 2003, he was discovered hanged in his Los Angeles apartment’s hallway. Though rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was just 27 years old. Friends and family noted he had shown signs of severe depression and alcoholism, with some suggesting he might have suffered from bipolar disorder.
In 2021, Jonathan’s father, Greg, shared in an interview with "People" that Jonathan displayed manic depressive behaviors throughout his 20s but did not seek treatment.
