'The Kids Are Alright' Actor Eddie Hassell Shot Dead In Texas

Eddie Hassell, known for his roles in the 2010 film “The Kids Are Alright” and TV series “Surface,” has died after being shot in Texas. He was 30.

According to Hassell’s representative, the actor was shot in the stomach outside his girlfriend’s apartment in the Grand Prairie region of Texas Sunday morning, Variety has learned. The Grand Prairie Police Department said that the incident is still being investigated.

The law enforcement authority also noted that the motive for the shooting is still unclear. No arrests have been made, but police said that they recovered a stolen car from the crime scene.

Hassell’s rep also told the media outlet that the actor’s girlfriend was present inside the apartment when the incident took place and could not see the assailant. The actor was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hassell's girlfiend Elizabeth Martin paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor by sharing a set of photos on social media. In her message, Martin stated that she loved him "more than the sky in Texas."

"You were dearer to me than all the bats in all the caves in the world. I loved you more than the sky in Texas. You made me more mad than anyone I’ve ever met, and I loved every ounce of you for it. Rest In Peace. You’ll always have my heart," Martin wrote.

Born in 1990, Hassell started his career by making an appearance on the talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003. After making a lot of cameo appearances on TV shows, Hassell got his breakout role on the 2005 show called “Surface” and acted alongside actors like Leighton Meester and Lake Bell. Unfortunately, the series garnered mixed reviews and was canceled after 15 episodes due to low ratings.

Hassell’s moment of glory came in 2010 when he appeared in Lisa Cholodenko’s Oscar-nominated movie “The Kids Are Alright.” The movie, which starred Annette Benning, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo in pivotal roles, tells the story of two children who are conceived by artificial insemination and want to find their biological father.

The film turned out to be a huge success and went on to earn four nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

In an interview with Elle in 2013, Hassell revealed that his skateboarding skills helped him to get the role in the movie.

“Skateboarding's been a huge part of my life, it also got me cast in commercials. I was into horseback riding and rodeos in Texas and when I moved to L.A., I got into skating. I did all my own stunts. I'm into anything with a board: surfing, wakeboarding,” Hassell told the publication.

Besides "The Kids Are Alright," Hassell was also seen in the 2013 Steve Jobs biopic titled "Jobs." The actor portrayed the character of Chris Espinosa in the movie.

The actor also appeared on several TV shows like Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Devious Maids,” “Oliver Beene,” “Bones,” “Joan of Arcadia,” and “Longmire.”