Austin Majors, a prolific child actor of the 1990s and early 2000s best known for his seven-season role as the young son of star Dennis Franz’ detective Andy Sipowicz on NYPD Blue, died Saturday in Los Angeles. he was 27
His death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner. (After his acting career, Majors used his birth name, Setmajer.) Majors died at a facility for the homeless on February 11 from suspected fentanyl poisoning; an investigation is ongoing.
Last week, Majors was photographed for an article in the Los Angeles Daily News while LA Mayor Karen Bass and Jeff Olivet, executive director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, visited the Hilda Solis Care First Village homeless facility where Majors resided.
Majors’ portrayal of the young Theo Sipowicz from 1999 to 2004 was followed by guest appearances on shows such as Laut Jim, American Dad!, Desperate Housewives, An Accidental Christmas (2007) and How I Met Your Mother. He also appeared in numerous television commercials.
Austin Majors 2009 Getty Images
In a family statement released by Major’s sister and former child actress Kali Majors-Raglin and obtained by Deadline, Majors was described as “a loving, artistic, brilliant and kind person.”
The statement continued, “Austin was very happy and proud of his acting career. Since he was little he never knew a stranger and his goal in life was to make people happy. He grew up in a small town where he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and his Boy Scout troop. He loved his dog Sunny and the horse Balla, with whom he grew up. He graduated from Salutatorian High School while an active Eagle Scout and member of the community. He then graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with a passion for directing and music production.
“Austin’s younger sister, Kali, says her fondest memories of Austin are growing up on set with him, volunteering at events with Kids With a Cause, and backpacking together. Austin was the kind of son, brother, grandson and nephew that made us proud and will always be missed.”
Some of the siblings’ acting clips are posted on their YouTube channel, AKMajors.