I have been friends with Walter Koenig for almost 33 years now (since 1991) and several years before Andrew sadly left us I had the opportunity to speak with Andrew for several hours on the phone when he and his father were having rough times in their relationship related to Andrew's chronic depression. He was a very intelligent, very kind person who allowed someone who was a stranger to him yet a friend to his father counsel him and listen to him. Some of the things Andrew said to me about his father I was able to pass on to Walter and help him work through his grief. It was a tragedy for all involved.
@@SCOTTONTAPE - Walter is absolutely the nicest person on the planet...and one of the funniest. If you have not read it ("Warped Factors") get a copy and read it. No one could be more open or honest in revealing himself.
@@colkelleyhe absolutely is. He is the only reason I got through the months and years after my father’s death . Sadly, we lost touch several years ago. I sent a note after Andrew died (God, that heartbreaking press conference…), and I think of him often.
@@colkelley I remember seeing that on television...it was 2010 I think it was sort of a news conference...just around the time of the winter Olympics...
Depression literally sucks the life out someone. I’ve suffered for years…..what most people don’t know is that it’s just as physically painful as it is mentally painful. Rest in peace, Andrew.
@bobabooey4537 thats so true I always say to people that depression is so much worse than physical pain because you know whats wrong with you when it's physical but mental health is torture I know I suffer daily with my own mental health
@@bobabooey4537your remark telling me “don’t be ridiculous” is both callous and cruel. While our experiences with depression are different, it’s still depression and it’s horrific.
I will never forget that heartbreaking press conference. Andrew’s mom, Judy, is buried nearby. She died about a year and a half ago. Walter just started a new acting project, and he’ll be 88 in September.
I wasn't aware of his death and that his father is still active in the industry. I am aware that there are a few cast members,still with us. William Shatner is over 90 years of age. So sad that he needed to leave this life". 📿🥀🙏
I've lived with depression for years, and sometimes still struggle with it. The Only thing that saved me before I met my husband was knowing that I was a child of God, and knew that at least He loved me. The lonliness of thinking or believing that no one cared, or gave a crap was the worst part. The statement his parents gave that someone out there does care, goes a long way to someone going through that private Hell. Thanks Scott for another awesome video ❤
Such a nice guy. I live in Vancouver and Andrew had been hanging out with a good friend of mine a fair bit while up here. She had tried to be that solid, caring, nurturing, soundboard/fried who was there for him and, who would listen to him and offer him the sanctuary of her home and the warmth of her amazing apartment and a friendship that was genuine and without demands...he was fragile but from what I was able to observe during my times hanging out with them, he was in the right place with the right person and was (imho) feeling safe and grounded in his immediate environment with my friend/in her home. but then....he left her place. He'd said he was just heading out for a few hours. I can still remember her extremely emotional voicemail telling me that Andrew hadn't come back "home." And then, she heard the news that he'd been located in Stanley Park. Gutted. Thank you so much for you respectful and kind remembrances of Andrew. Doug - This has been tough to type...apologies for my ragged writinmg. All of those crazy emotions came rusing back. Poor Jen...she left Vancouver shortly after this all happened. Wonderful woman. Sadness
@@dougsmith7083 I’m sorry you, and especially your friend, had to experience that, but I’m glad you were able to be there for him. I hope you’re both doing better now.
I suffered from Depression back then. It's a chemical in balance. Depression can get really dark. I understand him but I think very few can. It's hard to get help because people don't understand and think you are feeling sorry for yourself 😢 Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for the video ❤
Thomas, I hope you are feeling better now as of this writing. I had a bit of depression myself right before I left the USAF in '93. I got over it and am well now.))
Scott, you've cultivated such a great little community here. This isn't just a channel for reminiscing Gen-X'ers and looky-loos. It's like we're all gathered in a group, right there with you. We remember, we grieve, and we process. You give us more than just entertainment. You give us substance. I enjoy being here.
Me too. Scott is so sincere in all of his videos. You know he cares and always gives his best to let his subjects shine! We have a very safe community here. Scott takes a lot of pride in keeping the memories of his subjects alive. He gives us a safe platform to grieve! ❤❤❤
So sad. I loved Growing Pains. I never knew he passed. What a sad and lonely way to go. Heartbreaking. Thank you Scott for bringing this to light for me. I pray he has found eternal peace and rest. 🕊️❤️🙏
I never heard about this, so unfortunate. I can't imagine what his parents had to live through "? The loss of a child is immensely emotional,but even WORSE. A child who takes his or hers life,,so tragic. 📿🥀🙏
I suffer from depression and it's so hard to explain to people. They ask you what your depressed about? I don't know. Just be happy they say. Wish I could.
I had severe depression for 26 years of pure hell. My depression started in 1986 when I was 14 years old to the age of 40 years old in 2012. My depression was getting worse as I was getting older and when I went to the doctors in 2004 when I was 32 years old, they couldn’t find anything wrong with me so I thought that it was a normal thing at first. When I was having chest pains at 40 years old, I thought that I was having a heart attack at first, but when I went to the hospital, they gave me a simple blood test and found out that I had hypothyroidism. So when I went to my regular doctor with the referral, the doctor gave me the prescription Levothyroxine and the minute I took one pill, my depression and my anxiety and my chest pain was forever gone. That’s when I looked it up on the internet and that how I found a list of what hypothyroidism causes. Now I wanna help people cure there depression and seek medical help from there doctors and do what I did. I also found out that it’s something that I got from my late mother, I have all of her hereditary diseases.
It is very hard to explain to other people. They say things like “just go on a walk” they do not understand that sometimes we cannot even do that and saying things like that just makes us feel worse because we aren’t able to push ourselves to do that. Just don’t give up and be willing to try new things to treat your depression ❤🙏🏻❤
I’m in the generation that watched Growing Pains on its first run, and I loved Boner. Plus as a lifelong Star Trek fan, it was a joy to see that Walter’s son was so talented. I still remember seeing Walter and Judy’s press conference and how raw their pain was. Thank you for the lovely and compassionate video about Andrew. ❤
Thank you for doing this tribute.I think of him often. He was truly funny, intelligent, kind, fought for human rights, animals, loved to read, so much more. I remember hoping they would find him alive in Vancouver. I truly hope he is at peace.
I remember Andrew Koenig from Growing Pains, My Two Dad's and so many other's. He was an amazing actor. I know how it is with depression and wanting to do the unthinkable. I know for me, listening to music and watching RU-vid videos help me a lot. I know for other's, it is difficult to find something that helps. What you said Scott about reaching out, you nailed it. If I really need to, I'll talk to my husband. Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome Meg I’m glad you have your husband to lean on . And I honestly do not remember Andrew on my two dads I searched everywhere for clips, I loved that show
Seriously. If you know this and have this introspection, get some help. Reach out. Don't keep it inside. I lost someone close to me and regret every day that they didn't open up and let me know they were so torn up inside and could cross that line. Tell your husband. Ask for help. Don't wait.
What do you do when your significant other doesn't believe you or tries to minimize what you feel and your friends are all dead or gone, where do you go then? I've tried so many remedies but when that cloud covers you, you just want out, no matter what. You just want that agony to stop and the pain is unbearable. Your tired of everything and everyone and just want to sleep.
@@gregggoss2210stop being so self absorbed. Get outside of yourself. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, etc. . Do something BESIDES wallow in your own self pity!
My eldest cousin passed away from suicide at 26, i was 14, its been 25 years ago now. Not a day goes by I dont think of him and how his life couldve gone. I know alot was wrong in his life at the time but it really is a permanent solution to temporary problems. Seeing first hand how it affected my family, especially my now 90 yr old grandmother I just cant imagine puting people who love you through such torment. I could go on and on but yes there are people who want you here no matter how grim the outlook on your life may seem. It really makes me ill thinking about it too long. Anyone in that situation I send prayers and hope to work through it. I love you little Jerry forever and always. Love, Cheeks.❤
I was a 70’s, 80’s,and 90’s kid and watched growing pains every week he was a amazing actor funny so sad he will be missed but never forgotten much love always ❤❤❤❤
Never missed an episode of Growing Pains growing up as a kid in the 80s. Boner was one of my favorites. Depression is the worst, ive suffered from it. Rest In Peace Andrew. Forever missed ❤
Make sure you are not low in any essential vitamins.... taking B12 every morning didn't cure me, but it calmed down the symptoms. Everyone is different though. Hopefully you find what works for you ❤
I've struggled with deptession since collage (25 years ago). Some days my meds are doing their work and im loving life and other days are bad and the meds arent keeping up. I just have to remember to love for the good days and lean into the people who love me to get me through the bad. Andrew's death was so haunting to me because how he took his life was very much how i was going to take mine before my friends intervened. On a lighter note, I do miss Growing Pains. Definitely one of the top 3 best shows of the 80s.
Depression and anxiety are an exhausting nightmare. You don't just think it, you feel it too. My heart breaks for this gentleman and his family. I lost my mom to suicide and I've worked very hard to not let that be me. Thank you for this respectful video. I hope he feels peace. 🙏 ❤
I unfortunately suffer from both anxiety and depression and I hate it so much mainly cause I also deal with chronic stress and some other health issues so yeah
At one point while he was living in Vancouver, aside from acting in films & tv there, Andrew worked as an "Acting Workshop Teacher" teaching acting technics, auditioning, etc. I was one of his students. He loved Stanley Park which is likely why he chose that park to end his life.
He seemed like a very compassionate person and I hate that this horrible disease took hold of him. RIP to Andrew, and now, his beloved mother Judy. May The Peace which passes ALL understanding be with his dear father, and his family, friends and devoted fans. Thank you Scott for your respectful and thoughtful insight on not just Andrew, but ALL of the people and subjects you cover on your fine channel.
Throw on the growing pains theme song. Sometimes at work I'll put on 80s theme songs from sitcoms. It makes some of us get that feeling in the stomach. Just a suggestion. I will definitely be praying for you 🙏🙏🙏
I loved Growing Pains as a kid. Like a lot of kids, I didn’t have a good home life and the show was a great escape from everything . I remember wishing I was a part of that family. Rest easy Joshua Koenig and thanks for the entertainment.
My wife and I just got done watching the complete series of Growing Pains about 2 months ago, we loved it. Koenig's character was so charming and funny. RIP. So sad.
I loved growing pains growing up. Kirk Cameron was always as handamsome as scott. Had no idea Andrew Koenig passed away. its so sad. especailly so young. Recently i had couple of other deaths in my family. on my moms side. So glad your still here scott. love you. Vickie🥰
Thanks for another touching vid Scott. So sad when people feel there is no other option, than to take their own lives. Feel for Andrew & all his family & friends, who were affected by his sudden passing.
I remember this young man from Growing Pains now . I didn’t realize he had passed . Nor did I know who he was related too . But you sure can notice the eyes of father and son . Very similar . So sad 🥲
I remember when his character left Growing Pains to join the US Army. For some reason, it broke my heart when his character left. I cried. I wasn't particularly involved with the show or his character but for some reason I felt it was just very sad. Then when he died, it kind of made sense to me why I felt so sad about it. It was like his depression was readable in his acting. RIP Andrew.
I remember that episode as well.I cried too. At that time, I was getting ready to graduate high school and was about to join the Army, so that episode really hit home for me, a fellow Gen X'er. I had always hoped that his character would have a long and successful military career, and upon hearing of his death, it just hurt, not knowing that he had been dealing with depression. Rest ever peacefully Andrew.
Scott you are such a caring person and it shows in the way you talk about these situations and especially the way you take your hand and clean debris away from some of the graves. I love that. I pray God touches you and blesses you. Thank you
Scott on tape, I really love this channel you tell the story and really do an amazing job and you are so caring. you do so much of the stuff that i like to watch. Thank you so much.
I had no idea he had passed. I remember him fondly from Growing Pains and all of the teen magazines out during that era. So sad to hear of his passing, especially that way. It sounded as if he went in a very beautiful place that was special to him. I pray he is at peace, resting eternally with the Lord.
The 80's had some great theme songs. I had a weird crush on Boner back in the day lol I had not heard of his passing. I suffer from depression, since my preteen years. It's tough. Thanks for the video and please stay safe. ❤
Childhood nostalgia Growing Pains from the 80's. I remember him in the show off and on. Its been years since I have seen the show. So sad to hear about what happened with him and his death. RIP. :(
He was so talented, I knew him from Growing pains but did not realize all he did. Such a tragic end. Sorry to all those suffering from depression, I as well have suffered for years but fortunately found the right antidepressants. Hang in there and never give up on yourself ❤🙏🏻❤
Such a sad story. A life cut short. It's crazy what these well known stars go through in their personal lives. We just see them as entertainers with amazing lifestyles but never see the dark side of their story. Very well delivered Scott 😢
Good Afternoon Scott 🙋🏽. I had forgotten about this Guy. Thank You for reminding me and for inviting me to watch your video. Enjoy the rest of your day ‼️👋🏽
When you are in depression you close yourself off from people!! You do not reach out!! If you know someone is suffering from depression check on them, reach out to them!! I know from personal experience!! They don't want to die, they want to escape what is going on in their brain!! Sad!!
It's very true. Everyone thinks I'm ignoring them and so I come up with excuses like, oh I forgot to text back etc. Then they get mad at me for not writing back, which makes me feel guilty and even more like pulling back. It's an exhausting cycle.
I lost my dog only 6 weeks ago, been to 3 funerals since May, and I lost my job... I'm going through it too. Sending good vibes to you, it's tough out there 💟
Scott seriously you really do a great job and on you’re videos and you’re sincerity Really comes through strong on compassion for people who are struggling with depression ❤ Bravo
Always great work Scott. Love your passion in keeping the memories alive of the famous and not so famous. You always display sensitivity and compassion - and so informative x
Hi Scott, good to see you, it’s so sad what depression does to us, I hope he’s happy now and not suffering anymore. It’s his family that are suffering now, I suffer with depression and PTSD, and everyday is a struggle , but you have to keep fighting and be strong, it’s the strength that keeps me going. RIP Andrew Kooning 💐💐💐💐, you died way before your time. NEVER GIVE UP people. Thank you Scott, you tell it with such compassion. ❤️❤️❤️🤟🏼✌️👍⭐️
Every since my mom died i felt like giving my life up at times and i know thats not the solution for me. but there is a better choice. but you just don't know what a person is going through. 💓Vickie
I was an immense fan of Growing Pains. All the characters were very lovingly portrayed By the actors and actresses. Andrews character was one of my favorites. I'm also a huge Star Trek fan, also a very well thought out tv show. With characters everyone loved. ❤ What happened to Andrew was horrific and could have been helped. It seems when he started selling things off, his friends should have spoken with his parents. It may have made a difference. Sadly we'll never know! 😢 RIP: Andrew, you're not forgotten! ❤❤❤
Did not even know that Boner died. He was a part of my childhood growing up watching all those sitcoms and cartoons back then. Aw man, this sucks. Rest in peace, Boner. The Seavers always has a spot for you at the dinner table. 🙏
Depression is horrible and some days you don't want to be here but you power through but I don't wish it on anyone. Your mind can really be your worst enemy
Aw boner ,So sad .i didnt realize he passed away until i saw your past episode on him 😞 lets get into Scott . shall we ,sad one an shocked . Rip Andrew Koenig😢 an rip Alan Thicke which is a Canadian off Growing Pains.
It's so sad to hear of another loss this way. We can only hope that those who feel like this hear the message to reach out and then act on it. Those who are seriously thinking of doing this seem to do it without warning, so it's very difficult for loved ones to intervene because they just don't know whats about to happen. I feel so bad for his family and friends because they were the ones left to live with this and probably always wondering if there was something they missed or something they could have done to stop it. Beautiful tribute to him Scott and such a peaceful place to be interred. RIP Andrew ❤ 💐
It was such a sad ending to a massive, talented man. Please, everyone, check on your friends and loved ones and just lend an ear and listen. And always be kind
this is such a sad story so young and handsome so much to live for but as I know through experience with depression you don't see past how you feel at that present time. I tried to take my life last November through coming of antidepressants I had been on for 20 years . I'm trying so hard but I've had all my friends die 4 in 5 weeks last year think that did it for me .I have no one I'm totally on my own I have my beautiful dogs I live for them. It's so sad when you hear of people so young. Beautiful cemetery I love nature the sound of the water is beautiful that and birds is my favourite. Thanks Scott love from Holmfirth West Yorkshire 💜 🫰
