Johnny Lewis' Death: Hollywood Reacts

4:43 PM PDT 9/27/2012 by Aaron Couch

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The late actor's "Sons of Anarchy" colleagues tweeted their support as more details emerged in his possible connection to his landlady's beating death.

News of the death of Sons of Anarchy actor Johnny Lewis -- and the bizarre circumstances that led up to it -- left colleagues reeling Thursday.

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Lewis, 28, was discovered dead in L.A.’s Los Feliz neighborhood Wednesday, his body found in the driveway of a home in which police found the beaten body of Lewis’ 81-year-old landlady.

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Investigators believe Lewis attacked the woman and later fell from the roof of the residence, in which he rented a room.

Authorities also believe Lewis was under the influence of drugs, possibly PCP or crystal meth. TMZ reported that Lewis had been convicted of several violent crimes in the past year and that he beat and dismembered his landlady's cat Wednesday.

According to reports, those who worked on the set of FX's Sons of Anarchy knew the actor was battling personal demons.

Series creator Kurt Sutter expressed his grief -- though not his surprise -- writing on Twitter: “It was a tragic end for an extremely talented guy, who unfortunately had lost his way. I wish I could say that I was shocked by the events last night, but I was not. I am deeply sorry that an innocent life had to be thrown into his destructive path.”

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Other Sons of Anarchy veterans shared their thoughts of the actor:

Tia Barr wrote on Facebook: The first scene I ever acted in on the 3rd episode of Season 1 of Sons of Anarchy was with Johnny Lewis. He was such a friendly, handsome young man. So sad to lose such a great actor at such a young age. RIP Johnny aka Half Sack... You will be missed."

I had known Johnny Lewis for over 10 years...I have no words to describe what I am feeling right now. So tragic and unnecessary

— Kristen Renton(@KLR14) September 27, 2012

The memories I have w/Johnny are nothing but laughter+good times. My heart just breaks. He is the first friend this town has taken from me..

— Kristen Renton(@KLR14) September 27, 2012

R.I.P. Johnny ” Halfsack” Lewis,,

— Emilio Rivera (@EmilioRivera48) September 27, 2012

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Other stars reflected on Lewis' passing, including Twilight actor Alex Meraz, who worked with Lewis on the surfing film 186 Dollars to Freedom:

One of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with R.I.P. Johnny Lewis... We'll go surfing again one day brother.

— Alex Meraz (@TheAlexMeraz) September 27, 2012

Haylie Duff, a colleague on Raise Your Voice:

So sad to hear the news about Johnny Lewis. Such a nice and talented guy. RIP.

— Haylie Duff (@HaylieK) September 27, 2012

Lewis, who appeared in 26 episodes of Sons of Anarchy and nine episodes of The O.C., dated Katy Perry from 2005 to 2006. Perry has remained silent, but her close friend, actress Shannon Woodward, reportedly tweeted this message Thursday:

"Johnny Lewis, I love you deeply and madly and always. My heart is broken in a million little pieces. I will miss you every day." (The tweet no longer appears on her timeline.)

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Others remembering Lewis included Kayla Ewell (The Vampire Diaries), who appeared on The O.C. with Lewis:

The Johnny Lewis I knew was a charismatic, captivating guy. Let's remember the good times. RIP

— Kayla Ewell (@real_kaylaewell) September 27, 2012

Arrested Development's Mae Whitman:

I loved Johnny Lewis very much. He was an integral part of my life. I feel lost and my heart is broken for everyone involved.

— mae whitman (@maebirdwing) September 27, 2012