Jack Black 'heartbroken' as he leads tributes to School of Rock's Kevin Clark after tragic death aged 32

vt-author-image

By VT

Article saved!Article saved!

Jack Black and his School of Rock co-stars have been paying tribute to Kevin Clark after his death at the age of 32.

Clark played band drummer Freddy Jones in the 2003 musical comedy when he was just 13 years old.

The actor sadly passed away on Wednesday, May 26, after being hit by a car as he cycled through the Northwest Side of Chicago.

size-full wp-image-1263110149
Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy

A "heartbroken" Black, who played Dewey Finn - an amateur rocker and substitute teacher in the beloved movie - took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to Clark.

Alongside an image of him and Clark in the movie and a more recent image of them, Black wrote: "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."

Miranda Cosgrove, 28, who played Summer in the hit movie, posted three photos of her, Clark, and the rest of the cast around the time they filmed the blockbuster.

She captioned the throwback pics: "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."

Rivkah Reyes, who played Katie, shared a very lengthy and poignant tribute, revealing that she had spoken to Clark the day before he died.

She wrote: "We spoke yesterday about him being on an episode of where are we now. I know it would've been chaotic and hilarious and so full of love and hyping each other up because that’s how our friendship always has been.

"I’m absolutely heartbroken. Kev was my first friend on set. 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."

She continued: "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.

"I’m so sorry to his beautiful mom allison, his siblings nicole and cary, and to everyone who experienced his friendship and loving heart. i miss him so much. i am so grateful that my fellow cast mates, including jables, have been able to support each other through this day. we are a strong, loving family. love you forever, spaz. [sic]"

Brian Falduto, 28, who played Billy in the movie, wrote: "I can’t believe we lost a member of the family today. I’ve developed such a love & gratitude over the years for the once-in-a-lifetime experience that School of Rock was.

"But what’s even more amazing is what it’s become over the years .. the reverberating impact it’s had in our lives & the lives of others. So much of that impact has to do with the once-in-a-lifetime combination of people that was part of that experience.

"Those same people remain very much a part of my life to this day. 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."

Meanwhile, Zach Infante, who played Gordon, shared: "#RIP My heart is broken tonight as our SOR family grieves the loss of our drummer and chief, Kevin Clark. Please keep his mother and family in your thoughts and prayers.

"Kevin Was a wild child and who grew into a peaceful young man (yet still a rockstar).The balance he taught me is immeasurable. I remember when we held each other and laughed about old times at the 10 year reunion.

"Or when his easy going spirit balanced out my type A personality at our recent SOR family gathering. His death is a reminder to tell the people I love that I love them. To practice forgiveness. To express myself creatively. To stick it to the man. I love you Kev. #SchoolOfRock #KevinClark."

Clark shot to fame at a young age following the success of School of Rock, which was ultimately his only acting role.

He would later become a professional musician, with fans knowing him as the drummer in the band Dreadwolf, among others.

Our thoughts are with Clark's friends and family at this time.

Featured image credit: Image Press Agency / Alamy