Houston Tumlin, whose funny portrait of a disrespectful brat in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” was his only major role, died by suicide on Tuesday at his home in Pelham, Alabama, Deadline reported. He was 28 years old.
Shelby County coroner Lina Evans said Tumlin killed himself, according to People.
Tumlin played Walker Bobby, the eldest son of Will Ferrell’s NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby.
In a funny scene from the iconic 2006 comedy, Walker and his younger brother (Grayson Russell) attack his grandfather (Ted Manson), who denounces his bad behavior.
“Shut up, Chip, or I’m going to go crazy with your ass,” Walker yells at his grandfather.
“Truly heartbroken and shocked by Houston’s death,” wrote the film’s director, Adam McKay, on Twitter. “He was a cheerful and talented person. I will never forget the laughs and the good times we had. “
Tumlin served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and also worked on repairing telephone lines, TMZ reported.
IMDB has not listed any other acting credits for Tumlin.
“My heart is absolutely broken,” wrote Charity Robertson, his girlfriend, on Facebook. “My sweet, sweet baby .. Our time together was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m going to miss your big heart, caring spirit, infectious laughter, and oh man, the list could go on. ”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 at National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also send a text message to HOME to 741-741 for free, Crisis Text Line 24-hour support. Outside the USA, please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention to obtain a database of resources.
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