‘Freaks and Geeks’ and ‘Election’ star Jessica Campbell dies at 38
Former actress Jessica Campbell, who was best known for her roles in Freaks and Geeks and 1999’s Election, has died at the age of 38. Her family confirmed Campbell died on Dec. 29 in Portland, Oregon. Read more: Watch The Spill Canvas’ mystical new video for their single “Firestorm” According to Variety, Campbell retired from […]
According to Variety, Campbell retired from acting to become a naturopathic physician. On Dec. 29, she collapsed after seeing patients at her practice and was unable to be revived. At this time, her cause of death is still unknown.
In the film, she played Tammy Metzler, the sister of school jock Paul whose girlfriend leaves her to start seeing Paul. To get revenge, Campbell’s character runs against him for class president. Her performance in the 1999 movie went on to earn her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for best debut performance.
Jessica Campbell as Tammy Metzler was one of the best parts of Election. A lot of people probably felt like her character this past year pic.twitter.com/r0blbWB8hr
Campbell also starred alongside Seth Roganand James Francoin Freaks and Geeks. She portrayed Amy Andrews, a tuba player in McKinley High’s marching band. Eventually, her character briefly dates Ken, played by Seth Rogan.
Following Freaks and Geeks, Campbell went on to star opposite Glenn Closein The Safety Of Objects. Campbell’s cousin Sarah Wessling has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral costs and provide for Campbell’s son Oliver who is 10-years-old.
“A true adventurer in every sense of the word, Jessica packed a staggering amount of experiences into her tragically short lifetime,” Wessling says on the GoFundMe page. “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. To know her is to have an over-the-top story involving her. To know her is to have known true friendship.”
Former colleagues, friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Campbell. Campbell’s Election co-star Reese Witherspoon penned an emotional tweet honoring her.
“So heart broken to hear this. Working with Jessica on Election was such a pleasure. I’m sending all my love to Jessica‘s family and loved ones.”
So heart broken to hear this. Working with Jessica on Election was such a pleasure. I’m sending all my love to Jessica‘s family and loved ones. https://t.co/xEt6bOwWqE
Jessica Campbell starred in one of my favourite films, ELECTION, and one of my all time favourite TV shows, FREAKS & GEEKS, then left this Earth at just 38 years of age. How truly sad and unjust. #RIP
Jessica Campbell’s portrayal in Election spoke to me. A queer anarchist who was above the bullshit and got what she wanted in the end. Tammy Metzler forever. pic.twitter.com/2y6rIB2FUb