'Rizzoli & Isles' to Honor Lee Thompson Young in Season 5

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, March 21, 2014

"Rizzoli & Isles" star Angie Harmon announced plans to honor her late co-star Lee Thompson Young once the fifth season of the hit drama gets underway later this year.

"Hope you enjoyed @RizzoliIslesTNT season 4 finale," Harmon posted to Twitter on Wednesday, March 19 as the season concluded on TNT. "Season 5 eps 1&2 address our beloved Lee w/ love, honor & respect. Thank you @JanNash100."

Back in August, 29-year-old Young committed suicide in his Los Angeles home. The actor portrayed Detective Barry Frost on "Rizzoli & Isles," and his death rocked the entire cast and crew of the television series.

Ahead of the season four finale this week, executive producer Jan Nash told fans via Twitter that "Rizzoli & Isles" staff were refraining from tweeting as a show of respect for Thompson Young.

"Out of respect for our colleague Lee Thompson Young, the staff of R&I will not be live tweeting during tonight's episode. @RizzoliIslesTNT," the producer wrote.

Meanwhile, Young had appeared on "Rizzoli & Isles" since 2010, and before that, he starred on the Disney Channel from 1998 to 2001 on "The Famous Jett Jackson." The actor died on Aug. 19 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Young's death took place during the production of "Rizzoli & Isles" season four, according to Deadline. Production was then halted, giving the cast and crew time to grieve. Moreover, writers of the show had to devise a new storyline for Young's character.

Back in August, "Rizzoli & Isles" paid tribute to Young by dedicating an episode to him. A title card was put on the screen with the words, "In Loving Memory of Lee Thompson Young 1984-2013." Two short, silent clips were also revealed of Young from the show before the screen faded to black.