'School of Rock' Stars Pay Tribute to Late Costar Kevin Clark

The School of Rock cast is remembering their late costar Kevin Clark.

The former child star, 32, who fans may remember as Freddy the drummer in the 2003 movie, died on Wednesday, May 26. J-14 confirmed his passing after he was struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle in Chicago. While he had not acted since playing the role of “Spazzy McGee” in the film, Kevin continued his career as a drummer. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Kevin was a member of the band Jess Bess and the Intentions.

“He loved music,” his mother, Allison Clark, also told the newspaper, “He’s just a raw talent. He’s got a heart of gold.”

Kevin’s mother noted that her son “wasn’t an actor, wasn’t thinking about being an actor,” and his School of Rock role happened after he was recommended by a friend to audition. While in the audition room, he played alongside costar Joey Gaydos Jr., known for his role as Zack in the film. Per Allison, the duo jammed to the song “Iron Man” by classic rock group Black Sabbath.

“I went in there, said some lines, played on a little electric drum set, then I left, and my mom decided to talk, as she does, for a long time — God love her,” Kevin recalled during an interview with 22 Vision, during a 2013 School of Rock concert reunion. “Because Joey went in about 20 minutes after my audition and did the same thing with his lines, blew them away on guitar and then they came out.”

Years after his School of Rock role, Kevin also reunited with Jack Black, who played his fictional teacher in the flick, Dewey Finn. In 2018, Kevin attended a Chicago concert for the actor’s band Tenacious D. At the time, the drummer gifted his former costar with a t-shirt promoting his then-band Dreadwolf. “Kinda a must here, but it’s not every day you get to see Jack Black wearing your t-shirt,” the band shared via Instagram at the time, per People.

Aside from Jack, Kevin also costarred alongside Miranda Cosgrove in the movie, which followed the story of a substitute teacher who formed a rock band with his students at a prestigious private school to compete in a Battle of the Bands competition. Since news of Kevin’s death broke, former School of Rock stars have shared sweet tributes to their late friend and costar. Scroll through our gallery to read them all.

Love J-14? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for fun, exclusive videos with your favorite stars.

Rivkah Reyes

“We spoke yesterday about him being on an episode of where are we now. I know it would’ve been chaotic and hilarious and so full of love and hyping each other up because that’s how our friendship always has been. I’m absolutely heartbroken,” she shared, calling Kevin her “first friend on set.”

Rivkah continued, “He was always supportive of me and my endeavors. His family would often come to my comedy shows and plays, and every time Tenacious D was in town, we would go together. We would sometimes run into each other randomly in Chicago and he always gave me the biggest warmest hugs. I’m so sorry to his beautiful mom Allison, his siblings Nicole and Cary, and to everyone who experienced his friendship and loving heart. I miss him so much. I am so grateful that my fellow castmates, including Jables, have been able to support each other through this day. We are a strong loving family. Love you forever, Spaz.”

Brian Falduto

“I can’t believe we lost a member of the family today. I’ve developed such a love & gratitude over the years for the once-in-a-lifetime experience that School of Rock was. But what’s even more amazing is what it’s become with time,” he shared on social media. “The reverberating impact it’s had in our lives & the lives of others. So much of that impact has to do with the once-in-a-lifetime combination of people that was part of that experience. Those same people remain very much a part of my life to this day. We will miss you, Kevin. Thank you for finally forgiving me (in 2016) for making you wear spandex & heels. So, so much love to you, you wickedly talented & wonderfully kind man.”

RIPThe ‘School of Rock’ Cast Pays Tribute to Late Costar Kevin Clark After Fatal Accident

Miranda Cosgrove

Jack Black

Rivkah Reyes

Brian Falduto

More from J-14