Jason Davis, who voiced the character of Mikey Blumberg in the late '90s Disney animated series Recess, has died at the age of 35. Davis, who was the grandson of philanthropist Barbara Davis and former 20th Century Fox studio chief Marvin Davis, died on Sunday, but the cause of death is currently unknown.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Jason Davis' mother, Nancy Davis Rickel, confirmed the news with kind words for her late son. Here's what she had to say:
I am so heartbroken to share the saddest news of my life that my son Jason Davis passed away this morning in Los Angeles. Jason had a true heart of gold with such a zest for life. He was such a caring soul to everybody who ever knew him. He loved his friends and his family above all else. We ask for privacy as we take time to grieve this most devastating loss.
Jason Davis has several acting credits aside from his 1997-2001 stint on Recess (and time voicing Mikey in four specials), and was seen in live action as well as doing voice work. Davis' first acting credit came on the comedy Dave's World in 1994, when he was only 10-years-old, and went on to have turns on shows such as Roseanne and 7th Heaven, with appearances in movies like Beverly Hills Ninja and Rush Hour. At the time of his death, Davis was working of a television show entitled The Two Jasons.
Davis had been open in the past about his struggles with substance abuse, even appearing on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew during the 2010-2011 season, but recently co-founded the charity Cure Addiction Now. The organization's goal is to fund research into therapies which will help to end the cycle of substance abuse, as well as helping people detox and stay clean.
Recess was a very popular cartoon for Disney, and is still beloved by people who grew up watching it. Many took to Twitter to remember Jason Davis and the contribution he made to the classic comedy about a group of brave sixth-graders setting out to protect other kids on the playground.
Mikey was a bit of the gentle giant of Recess, with his young character (who towered over others in his class) being very philosophical, kind-hearted, and having a strong belief in the idea of peace on the playground, which was sometimes dismissed by his friends in their efforts to keep bullied / put-upon kids safe. He also wrote poetry, had an affinity for ballet dancing and was gifted with a singing voice that dwarfed the one he spoke with. Observe:
Jason Davis is survived by his brothers Brandon and Alexander, as well as his two half-sisters, Isabella and Mariella Rickel. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
