Sawyer Sweeten, who played one of Raymond’s sons, joined a string of fellow ill-fated child stars and committed suicide. Growing up can be tough, but growing up as a child star is even more difficult. The 19-year-old star of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ was visiting family in Texas when he reportedly shot himself in the head.
Sawyer was one of nine children; including his brother and sister, Sullivan Sweeten and Madylin Sweeten, who played his onscreen siblings. Sweeten was struggling with his career after ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ ended in 2005. According to National Enquirer, Sawyer was trying to secure more acting jobs, but failed miserably. A sourced told the media outlet, “Unlike twin child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sawyer and Sullivan couldn’t get arrested after ‘Raymond’ ended. It was humiliating after being on a top show!”
Sweeten’s waning career was joined by money problems. It was discovered shortly after Sawyer’s death that a tax lien had been filed against the child star by the state of California. The National Enquirer stated the lien was placed after a “failed business venture.”
The source also claimed that money wasn’t Sawyer Sweeten’s only problem. “On top of that, he struck out finding a girlfriend and was the subject of gay rumors,” the insider claimed. Whether or not he was being bullied hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s pretty clear Sawyer was struggling with navigating life after stardom.
Child stars face a pressure and challenge in their careers that few overcome to enjoy a successful career. Teen heartthrob Jonathan Brandis is one of the more recognizable losses. The ‘Neverending Story II’ star had a string of films and star on ‘Seaquest DSV,’ but hanged himself after battling depression and experiencing a downfall in his career. Former Disney star Lee Thompson Young also shot himself after trying to balance his bipolar disorder and a career.
Sawyer’s family is beyond distraught over the loss, and didn’t see them death coming. Were there no signs of depression? Sweeten’s step-father sated the family is “still trying “to sort out what happened.” The teen also shared a photo of himself showing off his brand new motorcycle via social networks. Was Sawyer Sweeten hiding his depression? Did gay rumors and money problems lead him to commit suicide? Sadly, those questions may never have an explanation for Sawyer Sweeten’s suicide.
