Teen ballet star Jack Burns, dubbed the next Billy Elliot, who died earlier this month was found hanging by family

The teenager was an accomplished ballet dancer who reportedly 'hanged himself' to death after he was bullied
UPDATED DEC 29, 2019
'Outlander' actor Jack Burns dies suddenly at the age of 14 (Facebook portfolio)
'Outlander' actor Jack Burns dies suddenly at the age of 14 (Facebook portfolio)

Jack Burns was a star ballet dancer. The child prodigy died at the age of 14, when he hanged himself in his home at Greenock, Inverclyde, according to a report by Daily Mail.

We had earlier reported that he was called the "next Billy Elliot" after his success in ballet dancing. Burns was also a television star and appeared in the drama series 'Outlander' in 2014.

On the afternoon of December 1, he was discovered dead. He was said to be "bullied" and he hung himself in his home. He also appeared in ITV's 'Plain Sight', where he starred opposite Duncan James of 'Blue', along with several other BBC productions.

Burns was quite accomplished in his dancing career from a very young age. He won a place at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, as well as the Elite Academy of Dance.

The teenager started dancing ballet about seven years ago, played rugby and soccer, and was defined as an "inspiration" by his teachers and mentors. He also went to school, at the St. Columba School in Kilmacolm. Burns lived with his mother Karen, father Robert, and brother Rory.

Apart from dancing, Burns' professional career also included modeling, where he was the face of global brand campaigns. He worked in a contract with The Model Team, based in Glasgow.

The news of his death shocked friends and family and tributes have been pouring in ever since. His friends shared their tributes and respect on Facebook, where they spoke openly about Burns and his good behavior. Many of his acquaintances and close friends are proud of his talent and achievements.

Jack Burns' funeral is being arranged at the St. Mary's Church in Greenock, where Father Thomas Boyle, expressed his condolences. He will be laid to rest in a ceremony surrounded by friends and family on December 30.

His parents, family, and friends are devastated at losing the young prodigy. Even the UK Theater School expressed their grief and condolences over losing one of their prodigies.

The Scotland police mentioned through a spokesperson that they will set up inquiries to establish the exact cause of death but they are still not considering the incident as anything suspicious.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television after he roasted host Nate Bargatze
Sep 15, 2025
Kevin Hart doesn't appreciate paparazzi’s question after viral video of him hosting Diddy’s party resurfaces
Apr 6, 2025
Diddy’s childhood friend Tim Patterson claims Janice Combs’s wild parties often involved pimps, homosexuals, and other adult activities
Apr 6, 2025
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in 1994, but she initially thought the King of Pop was a creep—and we totally get why
Apr 6, 2025
Riley Keough opens up about the Presley family curse in a candid interview while on tour for her book, 'From Here to the Great Unknown'
Apr 5, 2025
Natalie Morales hits back after her interview with Seth Meyers is removed from all platforms due to a revealing outfit
Apr 5, 2025
"Babyface, can you believe she wants me to dress like a girl?" Michael Jackson told a producer.
Apr 2, 2025
Sofia Vergara also dished out on why she doesn't ever want to play Modern Family's Gloria again
Apr 2, 2025
"It took more and more to get high, and I honestly don't know when your body decides it can't deal with it anymore," Lisa Marie Presley wrote.
Apr 1, 2025
A family member's last-minute intervention saved Michael Jackson from the 9/11 tragedy—here’s what happened
Apr 1, 2025