We’re still in shock from the sudden loss of Cameron Boyce and now the tributes to him are pouring in on social media.
Kenny Ortega, who directed Cam in all three of Disney Channel’s Descendants movies, is one of the first to speak out in a touching post on Instagram.
“Cameron, You left a big piece of your heart for those of us who knew and loved you in this life and you left with a big piece of our hearts today,” Kenny wrote on Instagram along with the below photo from set. “We will continue to carry your loving spirit forward. You are our forever boy.”
“In your short time on this earth you lit it up with your incomparable talent and goodness. I will be forever grateful to have known and worked with you. Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts with us all. God Bless you and may God watch over your Incredible and loving Family during this difficult time. Only Love. . . âŒðŸ’”,” he added.
Read what more celebrities are saying about the devastating loss.
Sofia Carson went full on glamorous for the Los Angeles Ballet’s 2019 Gala held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday evening (April 11) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The 26-year-old actress and singer was honored at the event with the Los Angeles Ballet Ambassador Award, which was presented to her by Kenny Ortega.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Sofia Carson
“I had the delightful privilege on behalf of the @losangelesballet of presenting the talented and beautiful @sofiacarson with their 2019 Ambassador Award. Sofia received the Award this evening for her Philanthropic Contributions to the Ballets Arts Educations Programs – Power of Performance “POP†and A Chance to Dance which scholarships underprivileged girls and young women with dance classes,” Kenny shared on his Instagram with a stunning photo of the two.
He added, “Brava Sofia ðŸ‘ðŸ¼Congratulations to you and your incredible family. You are an inspiration to girls and young women all over the world! I’m so proud of you! â¤ï¸.”
FYI: Sofia wore a vibrant red Giambattista Valli Haute Couture S/S ’19 gown with Harry Kotlar earrings.
Kenny Ortega is moving to Netflix!
The director and choreographer behind the High School Musical and Descendants franchises is headed to the streaming service with two projects on the fast track.
“As a fan of Netflix and their dynamic range of high quality content, I’am thrilled to begin a creative relationship with the company,” Kenny shared in a statement. “I’m super excited about the projects we already have in development and the shared enthusiasm I feel from the company. I look forward to this new Netflix collaboration with the highest hopes.”
The multi-year overall deal includes Auntie Claus (working title), a film, and Julie and the Phantoms, an original series, which he will also executive produce.
Auntie Claus is a musical based on the popular book series of the same name by Elise Primavera involving a young girl determined to get to the bottom of why her eccentric, Christmas-loving Aunt disappears every Christmas. It will be adapted by Tiffany Paulsen (Holidate, Nancy Drew).
Meanwhile, Julie and the Phantoms is a musical comedy series in development based on a Brazillian television series.
Julie is a teenaged girl who finds her passion for music and life with the help of a high -concept band of three teen boys (The Phantoms) who have been dead for 25 years. Julie, in turn, helps them become the band they were never able to be.
Congrats Kenny!
We are very sad to report that Kenny Ortega‘s beloved pup Manly Boi “Wildcat” Ortega has passed away at the age of 12.
The Descendants and High School Musical director/choreographer shared the news on his Instagram on Tuesday (July 24) and received an outpouring of love.
Stars from both Disney franchises offered their love and condolences, including Manly‘s High School Musical co-star Ashley Tisdale. He played her pup Boi in the second and third films.
“My heart hurts 💔 he was by far my favorite costar to date,” Ashley wrote. Kenny replied, “@ashleytisdale He [had] the biggest crush on you all through his life. Proud to know you! â¤ï¸”
Many members from Kenny‘s films, including High School Musical actors Monique Coleman, Jared Murillo, and Matt Prokop, Descendants actors Kristin Chenoweth, Melanie Paxson, Brenna D’Amico, and Jadah Marie, as well as Rocky Horror star Laverne Cox all shared their love. See what they said in the gallery below.
It’s officially official – Descendants 3 is wrapped!
Director Kenny Ortega was the first to break the news to fans on his Instagram, sharing a few images from the set and a few lovely messages to go along with it.
“DESCENDANTS 3 It’s A Wrap! We wrapped it all up at 6:00 AM this morning in #LynnCanyon. A grateful heart full of thanks to the #disneychannel and my Cast and Crew. It has been the greatest gift working in partnership with you all!” he wrote, with a pic of him at the location.
He added another message later with one of the final images of the core four – Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.
“You better believe there is a lot of love underneath all that rotten! It’s a wrap on Descendants 3! The Descenders and Fans have been in our hearts and thoughts throughout these months of development, rehearsals and filming. We truly hope we’ve served your expectations!”
Check out his other Instagram below!
The Yawn Jar is still going strong!
Director Kenny Ortega has brought the famed jar back for Descendants 3, as the movie starts filming in Vancouver.
If you don’t know, Kenny came up with The Yawn Jar when first filming High School Musical, and whoever – cast or crew – yawned, they had to give a dollar. At the end of filming, all the money goes to Make-A-Wish.
“13 years ago, while filming High School Musical, I started a Yawn Jar. For every yawn I caught from my Cast & Crew I collected a dollar for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and at the end of production I would match the pot,” Kenny shared on his Instagram over the weekend.
“We would then present the collection to the foundation. Disney has sponsored so many Make-A-Wish children on my sets over the last nine movies,” he adds. “I’m thrilled that the tradition has continued on into Descendants 3. Thanks to my loving Cast & Crew for their yawns!”
Love that this tradition is going strong!
Cameron Boyce poses with his award backstage at the 2018 Thirst Gala held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Saturday (April 21) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The Bunk’d star was presented the Pioneering Spirit Award for his work with The Thirst Project by his co-star and BFF Karan Brar and his Descendants director Kenny Ortega.
There was a little High School Musical reunion that night with stars Monique Coleman and Olesya Rulin with director/choreographer Kenny.
Also in attendance were host Michelle Monaghan, Power Rangers co-stars RJ Cyler and Dacre Montgomery, Laura Marano, Garrett Clayton, siblings Thomas and Brielle Barbusca, Steven R. McQueen, On My Block‘s Ronni Hawk, Famous In Love‘s Niki Koss, Sophie Reynolds, Luke Benward, Tegan Marie, and Candis Cayne.
FYI: Michelle wore an Alice Temperley dress. Garrett wore a Topman suit. Dacre wore head to toe Salvatore Ferragamo. Olesya is wearing a Majorelle dress from Revolve and Manolo Blahnik shoes. Cameron is wearing a Gucci suit, a Topman shirt, and an Issey Miyake tie. Niki is wearing a Bronx and Banco dress, Windsor Smith shoes, Amyo Jewelry necklaces, and a Gabriel New York ring and earrings.
