Jessica Campbell, ‘Election’ and ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Actor, Dies at 38
- by Jennifer Ramirez
- in Culture&Arts
- — Jan 14, 2021
TMZ reported that Campbell died unexpectedly last month in her home at Portland, Oregon. At this time, her cause of death is still unknown.
Wessling explained that Campbell had just finished a normal workday when she returned home to visit with her mother and aunt before she tragically collapsed in the bathroom. Campbell retired from acting in 2002 to become a full-time naturopathic physician.
Witherspoon also expressed her condolences in a tweet: "So heart broken to hear this. Heartbreaking news. My deepest sympathy to her son and the rest of her family".
Earlier that day Jessica had told her family she felt congested and thought she was getting a cold but did not think it was COVID-19. Working with Jessica on Election was such a pleasure.
Following her breakout performance in Election, Campbell went on to guest-star on the popular Freaks and Geeks and star in The Safety of Objects and Junk. She played a gay teen who ran against her brother (played by Chris Klein) as well as overachiever Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) for student body president.
"Our dear Jessica suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind her 10-year-old son, Oliver. I'm sending all my love to Jessica's family and loved ones", Witherspoon posted on Twitter.
In the film, she played Tammy Metzler, the sister of school jock Paul whose girlfriend leaves her to start seeing Paul. She first appeared alongsideSarah Jessica Parker in the 1992 TV movie In The Best Interest Of The Children.
She went on to star in more films including The Safety of Objects and Junk before she made a decision to quit her acting career. "She could always be counted on as the instigator of, or at the very least a willing accomplice to, various forms of mischief and hijinks".
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds to help with expenses and to provide for her little boy.
More than $22,000 has been donated so far, including a $5,000 donation by Freaks and Geeks' executive producer, Judd Apatow.
The family said that Jessica has been cremated and they are planning a memorial for her.
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