Michelle Obama has paid tribute to late Disney actor Cameron Boyce, describing him as a man who possessed ‘incredible talent’ and ‘an incredible heart’.
The former First Lady, 55, shared her sentiments in an emotional Instagram post shared Tuesday – three days after the 20-year-old actor died suddenly in his sleep.
Obama shared a 2014 photo of herself and Boyce which was taken on the set of his hit sitcom, Jessie, upon which she had a special cameo.
She wrote beneath the image: ‘I was lucky enough to share a few moments with Cameron Boyce—on set, at the White House, and on a service project—enough time to recognize that not only did he have incredible talent, but also an incredible heart.
‘Sending out a lot of love and hugs to his family, friends, and his many, many fans.’
Obama’s post quickly amassed more than 700,000 likes in the space of just two hours.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to late Disney star Cameron Boyce on Instagram Thursday, sharing a 2014 photo of them together on the set of his sitcom Jessie
Boyce was also invited to to the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll. He is pictured with Obama and comedian Peyton List (right) at the event
The one-time FLOTUS taped a special episode of Jessie back in January 2014, in order to raise awareness about military families.
Obama and Boyce also filmed a public service announcement that aired in the commercial break of the show.
Meanwhile, the cast of Jessie were later invited to the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll.
In pictures, Boyce was seen beaming as he looked up at Obama as the pair spent time together on South Lawn of the White House.
Obama isn’t the only star who has paid tribute to Boyce.
Adam Sandler, who starred with Boyce in the 2010 film Grown Ups (pictured) also paid tribute to the late star
Sandler said he ‘loved’ Cameron and proclaimed that he was ‘gone too young’
Adam Sandler, who starred with Boyce in the 2010 film Grown Ups, posted on Twitter: ‘Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around. Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.’
Salma Hayek, who also appeared in the hit film, wrote: ‘I had the privilege to play Cameron’s mother in Grownups 1 and 2 and we stayed in touch through the years He was spirited, talented, kind, generous, funny and a shining light. His joy will live in our hearts forever as he goes on dancing and shining elsewhere.’
Boyce is pictured with Salma Hayek at Bing Theatre At LACMA on July 29, 2015, five years after she played his mother in Grown Ups
Meanwhile, actress Zendaya posted to Twitter on Sunday: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking, my heart goes out to his friends and family.’
On Sunday, Boyce’s family said his death was the result of epilepsy – a neurological disorder that triggers unpredictable seizures and effects 1 in 26 Americans.
Law enforcement have characterized his passing as a ‘natural death’.
An official autopsy will include a full toxicology report and blood tests. It’ll take several weeks for the tests to determine an official cause of death.
His family said in a statement on Sunday: ‘It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron.
‘He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.
‘The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.
‘We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother’.
On Sunday, Boyce’s family said his death was the result of epilepsy – a neurological disorder that triggers unpredictable seizures and effects 1 in 26 Americans. He is pictured in April 2019
Cameron had his first break-out role aged just nine in the horror movie Mirrors, after starring in General Hospital.
He found further fame starring as Adam Sandler and Salma Hayek’s son in Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2.
After his debut as a nine-year-old, he went on to star in Shia LaBeouf thriller Eagle Eye.
He then had his star break as the character Luke on Disney Channel hit Jessie, opposite Debby Ryan.
He played Luke Ross in the children’s comedy, which ran for four seasons and is based around a nanny who looks after a wealthy family in New York.
Los Angles native Cameron, also starred in animated versions of Marvel’s Spider-Man and was loved for his role as Carlos De Vil, the son of Cruella, in the Disney franchise The Descendants.
The first two made-for-TV films were huge hits with Disney’s young fans. The third instalment is set to be released next month.
Cameron was born in May 1999 and grew up in Los Angles with his parents Libby and Victor Boyce as well as his actor sister Maya.
Boyce suffered from epilepsy and seizure episodes prior to his death on Saturday