The Devastating Death Of Talladega Nights Child Actor Houston Tumlin
On March 24, TMZ announced that the world had lost yet another Hollywood star much too soon. Houston Tumlin, the beloved child actor who starred as Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, has died by suicide. Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans told TMZ that the former child actor was found in his home in Pelham, Alabama, around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Tumlin's girlfriend confirmed his death in a touching Facebook post. He was 28 years old.
Tumlin's sister posted a heartfelt tribute to her brother on Instagram after the news broke: "I lost my brother yesterday. This doesn't feel real or right to be without him. He was so special to us. I will love you forever, bubba." Fans were also heartbroken to hear of Tumlin's death, taking to social media to pay their respects.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Houston Tumlin's life after acting
Tumlin graduated from Victory Christian High school in 2011. His only acting credit was in Talladega Nights, starring Will Ferrell, who played the foul-mouthed youngster's dad. Tumlin's funniest scenes included him alongside his on-screen brother Grayson Russell, who played Texas Ranger Bobby. The two boys contributed some of the most memorable moments of the movie with their side-splittingly inappropriate quips. Tumlin didn't continue his acting career but instead went on to join the Army, and as of 2015, he was in the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.
Army Captain Geoff Carmichael, who worked with Tumlin, tweeted, "SGT Houston Tumlin came to me as PVT Tumlin. He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (hands down) one of my best Soldiers in my company. Came ready to work. Please check on each other. Get help if you need it. We need you."
Though he didn't appear in any other movies after Talladega Nights, Houston Tumlin's hilarious performance was one to remember, and he'll be greatly missed.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.