‘School of Rock’ actor Kevin Clark dies at 32

Kevin Clark, the actor known for playing kid drummer Freddy Jones in the cult favorite School of Rock, died in a biking incident in Chicago on May 26. He was 32.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that according to Chicago police, Clark was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a car at a dangerous intersection on the Northwest Side of Chicago. He was brought to a hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. 

Clark began playing drums at age three. When he was 12, he was cast in School of Rock, where he played a rebellious, quick-tempered student who ends up being the drummer of the student rock band formed by impostor teacher Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black.

In his later years, he went on to play the drums for various Chicago bands, and recently posted on Instagram about his excitement over getting back on stage again.

Tributes to Clark poured in from his School of Rock cast mates.

On Instagram, Black described him as a “beautiful soul.”

“Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community,” he said. 

His other co-stars in the film also expressed their grief online.

“Stunned and saddened by this news today. The world lost an amazing soul. I’ll always remember your spirit and how kind you were to me. I’ll never forget all the memories. You’ll always be missed Kevin,” said Miranda Cosgrove, who played straight-laced student and band manager Summer.

Rivkah Reyes, who played bassist Katie, said they were “absolutely heartbroken.”

“We instantly connected over being Jews from Chicago. He introduced me to Green Day and was the catalyst for my pop punk phase (which hasn’t ended). He was always supportive of me and my endeavors. his family would often come to my comedy shows and plays, and every time Tenacious D was in town, we would go together. We would sometimes run into each other randomly in Chicago and he always gave me the biggest, warmest hugs,” said the half-Filipino actor.

Brian Falduto, who played “Fancy Pants” band stylist Billy spoke about how much of an impact the film continues to make on his life today, and said “We will miss you, Kevin. Thank you for finally forgiving me (in 2016) for making you wear spandex & heels. So, so much love to you, you wickedly talented & wonderfully kind man.” – Rappler.com