Cameron Boyce said he's 'following in the footsteps' of his family's activism in his final interview

Cameron Boyce opened up about making his mark in his final interview before passing away at just 20-years-old on Saturday night.

Speaking about how he wanted to live up to the reputation of his family in his philanthropic endeavors, the actor told Haute Living: 'There's a long line of difference makers in my family.' 

'I have plenty of ancestors and family members that I can look to for strength, and more importantly, for a grateful outlook on life,' said Boyce, who was best known for his appearances on Jessie and playing Carlos de Vil the Descendants film series.

'Every one of them clawed and scratched for my sister and I to be in the position we're in today.'

Boyce also cited his relatives in his passion for charity: 'I'm following in the footsteps of some really strong men and women who have showed me what it means to give back; it's the greatest way to fulfill yourself.'

The actor, who was of black and Jewish ancestry, was grandson to a civil rights pioneer in Jo Ann Boyce, who was a member of the Clinton 12, marking the dozen black teenagers who integrated into a Clinton, Tennessee public school in 1956. 

Boyce had channeled his efforts toward raising money for the Thirst Project, a nonprofit aimed at generating awareness and funds to combat the global water crisis. In the wake of his death, the Thirst Project called him 'an amazing light to many' who 'was always looking to help others.

'With his time here, he certainly left something bigger than himself and we are SO honored to have been a part of his life and to have been able to change the world together,' the organization said. 'As we remember him, let's all do our part to use what we have and leave something bigger than ourselves.' 

Speaking with Haute Living in May, Boyce said that paying it forward was an incredibly rewarding feeling.  

'Every time I talk to someone who shares that similar passion, we talk about how there aren't many feelings more euphoric,' he said. 'Changing someone else's life positively changes yours for the better as well.'

Boyce told the publication he'd hoped to be a conduit to fans getting involved with the cause.

'Many people have the heart to give back, but a lot don't know how to,' Boyce said. 'I try to be the bridge for those people - whether that means getting them involved in one of my campaigns or inspiring them by showing them a blueprint of how to get others engaged.'

Boyce's family said in a statement following his death: 'The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken.'  

Source: Daily Mail

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Cameron Boyce • Family • Cameron Boyce • Haute Living • My Sister and I (Nietzsche) • Jews • Civil and political rights • Ann Boyce • African Americans • Clinton, Tennessee • Thirst Project • Nonprofit organization • Water security • Thirst Project • Bigger Than Ourselves • Swizz Beatz • Paying It Forward • Pleasure • Emotion • Passion (emotion) • Emotion • Euphoria •