The '80s generation lost someone very special today, Andrew Koenig.
With his funny head bobs, mannerisms and goofiness, Andrew nailed the role of Richard "Boner" Stabone, best buddy to Mike Seaver (Kirk Cameron) on Growing Pains. He practically created this character with his signature swagger and off-the-wall commentary. His fake, heavy New York accent made him the most believable actor on a show that was supposedly set in Suffolk County, Long Island -- 15 Robin Hood Lane, Huntington, NY if you want to get that specific.
As stated in previous posts, I was a diehard Kirk Cameron / Growing Pains fan growing up. Although I never actually sent fan mail to Andrew, I thought he was a cool kid back in the day. Andrew wasn't abusing drugs. He didn't appear to be an alcoholic. Nope, he died of something that kills people every day, depression. Emotions and sadness killed a guy much too young to leave this planet. It's tragic that an innocent man who protested for peace and environmental issues had to quit life so soon.
In addition to portraying the role of Mike Seaver's wingman on Growing Pains, Andrew appeared in other 1980s classic TV shows we knew and loved including: My Sister Sam, 21 Jump Street and My Two Dads.
My heart goes out to his family. I ask all of my readers to keep Andrew's family in your thoughts.
You will be missed, Andrew Koenig.
12 comments:
No flippin' way. I heard on the news the past few days that he was missing. I didn't know he had been found dead yet, though. (BTW, the news = Entertainment Tonite)!
Your Country Bob's should be on the way, btw.
I don't know what's worse...the fact he died or you bumping that uber awesome wedding post :(
This is a very nice tribute, Ally. Thank you. It's very sad. I was a big fan too.
Robyn
I didn't watch Growing Pains that much, but still feel really bad. I always do whenever I hear about someone too young going...poor guy. Especially someone taking their own life. RIP Andrew Koenig.
God, I'm sitting here listening to the radio right now and they're playing his father, Walter's, words to the public and I'm tearing up. Suicide is absolutely the worst way to lose a loved one. My heart goes out to the Koenig family.
He was also in an After School special. No joke.
I loved Growing Pains.
Did he end up killing himself? I had better check the news. His poor family.
Yes he took his life in the woods.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/25/growing.pains.actor.dead/index.html
I am totally out of the know. I thought he just disappered. :/
I loved Andrew Koenig.... I was going to write 'I loved Boner' first, but then I thought that might be a little weird....
Anyway.... If you get a chance, there's a little fan-made film called 'Batman: Dead End' that starred Andrew Koenig as The Joker.... He's only in the first three minutes of the nine minute film, and Batman goes on fight both the Predator and Alien in the other six minutes of the film, but it's a pretty good movie and it's worth watching the first three minutes to see Andrew's interpretation of The Joker.... Also, keep in mind that the film was made before all the hullabaloo about Heath Ledger in 'The Dark Knight'....
You can see the film here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCnYSQDSawg
Blackas- OK, I hate to say this after writing such kind words about him, Andrew is forever Boner. All I see is Boner :( It's very sad. The other kid who played their sidekick got more work. He had such a regular kid look about him.
Ah yes. I read this in the news and was sad, as it is a tragedy when anyone takes their own life.
I loved Growing Pains a lot growing up as well, so it is really sad to hear this.
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