R.I.P. Mark Sway

"I wish sometimes that I wasn't as conscious as I am." -- River Phoenix

They found Brad Renfro dead in his house this morning. No one can say for sure right now but it was most likely alcohol/drug-related. Another former child actor meets another ignominious end. It makes me so sad. I liked Brad so much. I think his work in The Client was superb; it should be included in any discussion of notable performances by child actors. I always rooted for him to do well and be successful and was always glad to see him when he popped up in something. I guess the last movie I saw with him in it was either Ghost World or Bully in 2001. He was 25 years old, a month older than me. My age. Scary stuff.

So I'm really sad and a little pissed off at him right now. Sadder still cuz he always used to remind me of River, so talented but with a dangerous undercurrent right on the cusp. And now he's got more in common with River than he should have. I idol-worshipped River when I was a kid, and I guess part of me still does. I will always consider him the finest actor of his generation. I'm still a bit heartbroken over him dying so young, over what he did to himself. We watch these kids grow up in the spotlight and laugh at them and goggle when they melt down and act stupid and get arrested and get themselves killed. It's all just so sad.

So rest easy Brad. I hope you're up there chilling with River and all the ones who went before you. I'm just sorry you couldn't avoid the same trap and beat your problems. Peace brother.