Andrew Koenig (1968-2010)

This is such a sad story.

Andrew Koenig, who played Mike Seaver's best friend, Richard "Boner" Stabone, on GROWING PAINS was found dead yesterday in Vancouver's Stanley Park after being missing for over a week.

Koenig had been suffering depression and had been off his medication for a year. From the statement on his father's website "Andrew died in his favorite city, filled with friends, in a park he loved."

As a regular watcher of GROWING PAINS back in the 80's, Koenig was the ideal "best friend". After the show ended, he did occasional guest work on other series, but moved behind the camera. He had been the video producer on the NEVER NOT FUNNY podcast.

By all accounts, this wasn't a tragic "former child star" story. Koenig was well liked and many who worked with him claimed they went a long time before even realizing his former career. On CNN, one person claimed he didn't drink or use drugs, or even use profanity.

He worked as an animal and human rights activist, especially for the people of Burma.  He was even arrested at the Rose Bowl Parade for one such protest .



Here is a video he posted of the arrest.

But, he suffered from depression which can effect anyone, whether they acted on GROWING PAINS or not.

In all my years of watching him though, I was unaware of the fact that his father was Walter Koenig, Chekov from STAR TREK. His father released the following statement on his site.

“My son took his own life. If you're one of those people who feel they can’t handle it any more, if you can learn anything from this: it’s that there are people out there who really care. You might not think so…but there are people who really, really care. And before you take that final decision, check it out again…talk to somebody. And for those families who have members who they fear are susceptible to this kind of behavior, don’t ignore it, don’t rationalize it. Extend a hand."

You can see more of Andrew's work on his YouTube channel