Brad Everett Young, an actor, photographer, and passionate advocate for arts education, has died at the age of 46 in a tragic motor vehicle crash in Los Angeles.
Authorities said Young was driving alone late Sunday night on the 134 Freeway after attending a film screening when his vehicle was struck by a car traveling the wrong way. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver survived and was hospitalized.
Born July 24, 1979, in Danville, Virginia, Young once considered a career in medicine before his creative instincts drew him toward the arts. Over time, he built a multifaceted career that bridged acting, photography, and philanthropy. On screen, he appeared in television series including Boy Meets World, Felicity, Beverly Hills, 90210, Charmed, Grey’s Anatomy, and Numb3rs. His film credits included Charlie’s Angels, Jurassic Park III, I Love You, Man, The Artist, and the 2017 version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
But Young’s artistry was not confined to the camera as an actor — it extended behind it as well. In later years, he became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after celebrity photographers, capturing candid and red-carpet portraits of stars such as David Harbour, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Seth Green. His work appeared in glossy magazines and online outlets, known for its warmth, humor, and cinematic flair.
In 2014, Young founded Dream Loud Official, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to preserving and supporting art and music programs in schools. “Art and music programs in schools ultimately changed my life,” he often said, describing how access to creativity in his youth helped him find direction and purpose. Through the project, he sought to give that same opportunity to future generations, raising awareness about the importance of arts education.
Friends and colleagues described Young as a generous and energetic presence, a man who made everyone around him feel seen. Fellow actors and photographers shared tributes across social media, recalling his humor, his compassion, and the countless hours he devoted to helping others succeed.
Brad Everett Young is survived by his family, friends, and the many artists and students inspired by his life and work. His legacy lives on through the images he captured, the art he championed, and the belief that creativity can change lives.
