Child Actor, Ballet Dancer Jack Burns found dead at 14

A young Scottish actor and dancer Jack Burns has died at the age of 14.

The budding star often called "the next Billy Elliot" because of his dance skills, was found dead at his home in Greenock, Scotland on Dec. 1, 2019. The cast is not been treated as suspicious but police have not revealed the cause of his death yet.

Burns has had appearances in the BBC drama series Plain Sight, and Netflix series Retribution and was a student at the Elite Academy of Dance in Greenock, having a student at St. Columba’s School in Kilmacolm. 

Elite Academy of Dance released a statement on Monday via Facebook,

“It is with a very heavy heart that we write this post. Tragically as you know we lost our much-loved student Jack Burns on Sunday 1st of December. Jack was an inspiration to everyone at Elite and touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of working and dancing with him since 2012.

We and all of Jacks' family and friends are naturally completely devastated and at a loss for words and answers. Jacks' family wishes to let everyone know that his funeral service will be at 10.00 am at St Mary's Church, Patrick Street, Greenock, on Thursday 12th December.

Karen, Robert and Rory would love if those from his Elite Family that knew and loved Jack as much as they all do wanted to attend. They would also take much comfort if students wish to attend in Alba or Elite Hoodies and sit together on Thursday.

Our studio will be open at 9.00 am on Thursday for those wishing to attend. All our thoughts and prayers at this time are with Jacks immediate family and friends but especially with his parents Karen, Robert and his brother Rory.”

Burns is survived by his mother Karen Burns, father Robert Burns, and brother Rory, who is also an actor and appeared on two episodes of Outlander as younger Roger Wakefield.