Christopher Pettiet


Christopher Lee Pettiet was an American television and film actor best known for his role as Jesse James in the Western TV series The Young Riders and as Zach Crandell in the cult comedy film Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.

Career

Pettiet began his career as a child actor making appearances in television series such as seaQuest DSV, , L.A. Law, Empty Nest, Picket Fences and Undressed. In 1991 he played Christina Applegate's younger brother in the comedy film Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. He had small roles in films such as Point Break and Boys.
From 1991 to 1992 he played the role of a young Jesse James on the TV series The Young Riders. From the rest of his career, he played small roles in television series. He made his last onscreen appearance in a 1999 episode of Judging Amy.

Death

Pettiet died of an accidental drug overdose on April 12, 2000, in Los Angeles at the age of 24. His autopsy report listed that the probable combined effect of cocaine, propoxyphene, and diazepam had caused his death. His autopsy also attributed his death to "probable cardiomyopathy" but it was only a contributing condition and not an immediate cause. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea off of Topanga Canyon Road in Santa Monica, California. After his death, his acting coach, Kevin McDermott, founded a scholarship fund in his name to help young actors attend Center Stage LA where he had trained.

Filmography

Accolades