YA Author And Believe Writer Ned Vizzini Dies From Suicide At Age 32
TV writer and author Ned Vizzini passed away on December 19, 2013, in Brooklyn, New York, at age 32. The New York City medical examiner confirmed Vizzini committed suicide, and the writer’s brother, Daniel, also told reporters that he had jumped off the roof of the building where their parents were living in Brooklyn, New York. Ned Vizzini is survived by his wife, Sabra, and his son, Felix.
Ned Vizzini was a staff writer on NBC’s Believe at the time of his death. He also wrote for the TV series Last Resort and Teen Wolf.
Notably, Ned Vizzini was the author of It’s Kind of a Funny Story, which was published in 2006 and adapted for the big screen in 2010 with actor Zach Galifianakis in one of the film’s starring roles.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story was inspired by Ned Vizzini’s brief hospitalization for depression in November 2004. The young adult novel was later named the American Library Association’s Best Book for Young Adults in 2007. Vizzini co-authored his latest book, House of Secrets, with director Chris Columbus earlier in 2013.
Throughout his career, Ned Vizzini had been open about his struggles with depression and used had said he used his experiences to connect with and help others. Prior to his tragic passing, he had spoken at colleges and other venues about mental health, encouraging people to recognize signs of depression.
NBC was still planning to launch Believe in early 2014, following the Winter Olympics programming from Sochi, Russia, at the end of February. NBC’s strategy with Believe was to leverage the Academy Award buzz for Alfonso Cuarón and his science fiction space epic Gravity.
The series ultimately only lasted one season.
Ned Vizzini’s Believe centered on a young girl with extraordinary powers. Unknown authorities are hunting her, but a man who escapes from prison is tasked with protecting her from harm. The series features actors Jake McLaughlin, Johnny Sequoya, Jamie Chung, Delroy Lindo, Arian Moayad, and Kyle MacLachlan. Kathy Lingg (Revolution, Fringe) will also produce Believe. Alfonso Cuarón directed the series’ pilot episode.
The passing of Ned Vizzini was a shock to all and a tragic end to a talented and fan-favorite writer and author.
