Chris Trousdale, Ex-Member of Boy Band DreamStreet, Dies of Coronavirus at 34
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Chris Trousdale, a member of the boy band DreamStreet from the group’s inception in 1999 through its breakup in 2002, died Tuesday at age 34. Although an official statement did not give a cause of death, former bandmate Jesse McCartney said he died of complications from the coronavirus.
Trousdale was also an actor who began his career on the stage at 8, doing a tour of “Les Miserables” with Ashley Tisdale and the Broadway production alongside Lea Michele. After DreamStreet’s breakup, he went on to make episodic television appearances on shows like “Shake It Up” and “Austin & Ally.”
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TMZ was first to report the news and said it had confirmed that Trousdale’s death was COVID-19-related through a family member.
McCartney posted a tribute to his fellow former DreamStreet member on Instagram.
“Chris had an explosively charming personality with boundless amounts of talent,” McCartney wrote. “Together we made up two of the five members of a boyband called DreamStreet. We were young kids with budding talent who shared an overwhelming love for music and performing. Chris, in my opinion, was the most popular among us, who had a way of drawing every eye to what he was doing on stage. As an incredibly trained dancer, he would pick up an entire dance number in a matter of minutes; something that would take the rest of us days. I truly envied him as a performer.”
Added McCartney, “We were a part of something people never get to experience in an entire lifetime at the tender ages of 12 and 14. Although we were a band for only three years, at that age, it felt like a lifetime and we built a real brotherhood. In later years, we would grow apart as our lives would take different turns, but I would often reflect on our early days together and think about how exciting it all was. My deepest sympathies go out to his mother whom I know cherished him dearly. RIP Chris. I’ll never forget your smile.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of Chris Trousdale on June, 2, 2020 from an undisclosed illness,” a representative for the star (seen at far right in the 2001 photo below) said in a statement. “He was a light to so many and will be missed dearly by his family, friends and fans all over the world. Although it felt like he belonged to us all, the family is requesting that you respect their privacy at this time of grieving. Should you wish to make a donation in his honor, please give to ASPCA.”
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