Jack Burns — once hyped as the “next Billy Elliot” — has died at 14.
The former child actor from Scotland, best known for a role on the Starz series “Outlander” and for his ballet dancing skills, died suddenly earlier this month, Metro UK reported.
Burns joined the Glasgow Ballet School at 9 years old after appearing on “Outlander” in 2014, according to the outlet. He followed that uncredited part with speaking roles on the BBC’s “In Plain Sight” and “Retribution” in 2016.
A student at St. Columba’s School in the village of Kilmacolm, Scotland, Burns was also a member of Elite Academy of Dance since 2012.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we write this post,” the Elite Academy of Dance posted on Facebook. “Tragically as you know we lost our much loved student Jack Burns on Sunday 1st of December. Jack was an inspiration to everyone at Elite and touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of working and dancing with him.”
The statement continued: “We and all of Jack’s family and friends are naturally completely devastated and at a loss for words and answers.” A funeral service will be held Thursday at St. Mary’s Church in his hometown of Greenock.
Burns’ cause of death was not revealed — but his body was apparently found at his family’s home, Metro UK reported. Authorities said they are not treating his death as suspicious.