Brad Renfro was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Client, Sleepers, and Bully. He gained fame at a young age but struggled with addiction throughout his life.
Personal and Family Life
Brad Renfro was born on July 25, 1982, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Angela Olsen and Mark Renfro. He had a half-sibling named Haley Rose Olsen. Renfro showed an early talent for acting and was discovered by director Joel Schumacher at the age of 10.
Career
Renfro’s career began with his role in The Client (1994) alongside stars like Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones. He appeared in several notable films during the 1990s and early 2000s, including The Cure (1995), Tom and Huck (1995), and Apt Pupil (1998). Despite his early success, his personal struggles affected his career, leading to fewer roles and legal troubles.
Death and Legacy
Brad Renfro passed away on January 15, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, from a heroin overdose at the age of 25. His death came just one week before Heath Ledger’s death, who had also struggled with addiction. Renfro’s legacy is remembered through his compelling performances and the tragic narrative of his life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost World | 2001-07-20 | Josh |
| The Client | 1994-07-20 | Mark Sway |
| Tart | 2001-04-23 | William Sellers |
| The Cure | 1995-04-21 | Erik |
| Apt Pupil | 1998-10-23 | Todd Bowden |
| Bully | 2001-06-15 | Marty Puccio |
| The Jacket | 2005-03-04 | The Stranger |
| Deuces Wild | 2002-05-03 | Bobby |
| 10th & Wolf | 2006-02-19 | Vincent |
| Skipped Parts | 2000-06-06 | Dothan Talbot |
| Telling Lies in America | 1997-08-02 | Karchy ‘Chucky’ Jonas |
| Tom and Huck | 1995-12-22 | Huck Finn |
| The Informers | 2008-11-05 | Jack |
| Hollywood Flies | 2005-06-28 | Jamie |
| The Job | 2003-05-16 | Troy Riverside |
| Mummy An’ the Armadillo | 2004-01-29 | Wyatte |
| Sleepers | 1996-10-18 | Young Michael Sullivan |
| American Girl | 2002-02-10 | Jay Grubb |
| Happy Campers | 2001-01-21 | Wichita |
| Collector | 2008-01-01 | |
| The Car Kid | 2002-05-11 | Vernon |
| 2 Little, 2 Late | 1999-09-01 | Jimmy Walsh |
| Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy | 2010-05-04 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Theory of the Leisure Class | 2001-07-06 | Billy |
| Law & Order: Criminal Intent | 2001-09-30 | Duane Winslow |