Cameron Boyce, a beloved Disney star, once stopped an intimate audition scene with Jenna Ortega. His respectful decision left a lasting impression on her and social media users, who praised him for his actions.
Cameron Boyce charmed millions with his roles on the Disney Channel, becoming a household name and a beloved figure in the entertainment world. However, his off-screen character left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Cameron Boyce at Nickelodeon’s 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards on March 11 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Following the actor’s tragic passing, actress Jenna Ortega shared a touching story about a moment they experienced. Discover the respectful reason he stopped an intimate moment during their audition together, prompting social media users to call him a “good man.”
Cameron Boyce at the premiere of “Descendants 2” on July 12, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Cameron Boyce’s Untimely Passing
Cameron Boyce was a beloved actor who became a household name through his work with Disney Channel. Known for his starring roles in shows like “Jessie” and the “Descendants” film series, Boyce captivated audiences with his charm, comedic timing, and undeniable talent.
Starting his career at a young age, he quickly became one of Disney’s brightest stars, leaving a lasting impact on his fans and co-stars. However, Boyce’s promising life and career were tragically cut short.
Cameron Boyce filming an episode of “Jessie” in 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In July 2019, he passed away unexpectedly at just 20 years old. His parents initially shared that Boyce had died in his sleep due to a seizure, later confirming that the seizure was caused by epilepsy, a condition the actor had been quietly managing.
In a heartfelt statement, his family said, “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.”
Cameron Boyce at WE Day California at The Forum on April 25, 2019, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actor’s passing brought to light the lack of awareness surrounding epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of people globally. His family has since dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the risks associated with epilepsy, particularly the potential for seizures to be fatal.
Boyce’s mother emphasized how little the public knows about the condition, stating, “One in twenty-six people have epilepsy. Everybody knows somebody who has epilepsy, yet we never talked about it.”
Cameron Boyce at the LA Family Housing Annual LAFH Awards and Fundraiser Celebration on April 25, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Through their foundation, the Boyce family continues to work toward increasing education and support for those with epilepsy. Friends and colleagues deeply felt the actor’s death, including co-star China McClain. In 2024, McClain admitted she was nervous to return to the “Descendants” franchise after Boyce’s death.
Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, and China McClain filming “Descendants 3” in 2018. | Source: Getty Images
“I was apprehensive to revisit the ‘Descendants’ world at first because losing Cam was the first heartbreak I’ve ever experienced. But once I saw how excited the new generation of kids were, it reminded me of myself when we created the original films,” McClain reflected.
In May 2024, Boyce’s “Jessie” co-star Skai Jackson took to Instagram to honor his memory and celebrate his birthday. The actress shared a snap of the two actors embracing and sweetly captioned the post, “I’ll never forget you. Happy 25th Birthday.”
The Audition with Jenna Ortega
As a rising star, Boyce crossed paths with many young actors, including Jenna Ortega. In a recent interview, Ortega reflected on a touching moment she shared with Boyce during an audition.
Both actors, who had known each other for several years through their work in the Disney Channel sphere, were auditioning for roles that involved a romantic storyline. Ortega recalled the experience, explaining that they were supposed to perform an intimate scene, which included a kiss.
Cameron Boyce at A Radio Disney Music Celebration on June 16, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Ortega, who was around 15 or 16 years old then, admitted feeling uncomfortable with the scene. Boyce, a few years older, sensed her unease and decided to take action.
According to Ortega, Boyce immediately recognized the situation’s awkwardness and halted the scene. “We both just kinda looked at each other, and we were like, ‘No, we can’t do this,'” Ortega shared during the interview.
The actress was relieved by his understanding and swift decision to step in, expressing her gratitude for his kindness. Ortega described how thankful she was that Boyce had acknowledged the situation’s awkwardness, stating, “I was uncomfortable, and I was having a hard time, and he was so sweet.”
Social media users quickly responded to Ortega’s recollection of the audition, praising Boyce for his actions. “Good man,” one person commented. “He made the right decision,” another social media user shared.
A third typed, “Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s his choice.” “He was so rare. Him being gone hits every single day,” someone else wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Cameron was a rare gem,” another person said.
“He really was such a gentleman—a very sad loss to the world,” someone else shared. “I met Cameron once. He seemed a genuinely kind, great guy. Very sad he died so young,” another social media user noted.
This touching anecdote from Jenna Ortega further cemented Cameron Boyce’s legacy as someone who consistently showed respect and empathy toward those around him.
Fans agreed that Boyce’s actions at that moment were a testament to his remarkable character, as they continue to celebrate his life and the positive impact he left behind.