Very sad news for the film and music world, as Kevin Alexander Clark, the child actor who played drummer Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones in the 2003 Jack Black comedy School of Rock, has died. He was only 32 years old.
Kevin was involved in an accident in which he was hit by a vehicle while bicycling in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood early Wednesday morning. Paramedics took him to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at 2:04 a.m., the Chicago Fire Department and the Cook County medical examiner’s office has confirmed.
Jack Black posted about Kevin’s death on his Instagram, writing, “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.”
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School of Rock centers around down-and-out metal musician Dewey Finn (Jack Black) who cons his way into the role of music teacher for a class of private-school children. Dewey then teaches them about rock and roll music and culture, and brings them together into the ultimate rock and roll band.
Clark started playing drums when he was three, and auditioned for School of Rock with young guitarist Joey Gaydos Jr., with whom he performed Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” He continued to play in bands after the film, including Funk It Let’s Jame, the Robbie Gold Band, Dreadwolf, and Jess Bess And The Intentions, who played their first show this past weekend on the North Shore, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
“He told his bandmates just yesterday: You know, this is finally the life I want to live,” said his mother, Allison Clark. “And we’re going to make it. You’re my musical family — my family — and we’re all going to make it.”
Everyone at The Pit sends their heart out to Kevin’s friends, family, fans and collaborators during this incredibly difficult time.
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Words by Chris Krovatin
