American actor (1992–2021)
Houston Lee Tumlin (December 27, 1992 – March 23, 2021) was an American child actor best known for his only film role as Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby [ 6]
Early life and education
Tumlin was born in Pell City, Alabama , the son of Craig and Michelle (née Daboin) Tumlin.[ 7] [ 8] [ 9] [ 10] [ 11] [ 12] [ 13]
Career
Acting career
Tumlin portrayed Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby in 2006.[ 14] [ 15]
Military career
He served in the U.S. Army for nearly six years and earned achievement and decorations as an E-5 Sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division ,[ 16] Achievement Medal , the National Defense Service Medal , the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , and an Air Assault Badge .[ 17] [ 18]
Filmography
Film
Personal life
According to his mother, he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after his service in the military.[ 21] [ 22]
Death
Tumlin died by suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot on March 23, 2021, at his home in Pelham, Alabama .[ 23] [ 24] [ 25] [ 26]
Legacy
In March 2022, Tumlin's mother Michelle opened the non-profit organization entitled The Houston Project in their home town of Pell City which provides mental health and financial care for veterans and their families.[ 27] [ 28] [ 29]
References
^ "Obituary of Houston Lee Tumlin" . usreyfuneralhome.com .^ Houston Tumlin, ‘Talladega Nights’ child actor, dead at 28 ^ "Houston Tumlin death: Talladega Nights child actor 'experienced PTSD' from army service before suicide" . www.independent.co.uk . 29 March 2021.^ "Talladega Nights Star Houston Tumlin Dead by Suicide at 28" . www.eonline.com . 24 March 2021.^ " . torontosun.com .^ "Houston Tumlin Dies: 'Talladega Nights' Child Star Was 28; Director Adam McKay Remembers "Joyful And Talented" Actor" . Deadline Hollywood ^ "Congratulations to our March Business of the Month! Houston Project On March 23, 2022 Craig and Michelle Tumlin opened the doors to Houston Project, a 501C3 charitable organization. The nonprofit was born out of a mother's wish to honor her son and educate the general public regarding mental illness and veteran suicide with a determination and hope of preventing what happened to Houston Tumlin from happening to others suffering from PTSD, depression, and CTE. Their mission is saving lives by delivering hope to hurting veterans. Their son brought great joy to many, he was funny, kind, giving and talented. He will never be forgotten. Houston Project has also raised money for a Tiny Home for Veterans, raised awareness and funds though several events, and more. If you'd like to be involved, donate, or purchase items, visit them at 1916 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City. All profits from sales and events go to local veterans" . facebook.com .^ "Carrying on his name" . www.shelbycountyreporter.com . 17 October 2022.^ "Talladega Nights Star Houston Tumlin's Mom Reveals What Led To His Suicide" . perezhilton.com .^ "Who was Houston Tumlin? Tragic story of 'Talladega Nights' child star who shot himself and died by suicide at 28" . meaww.com . 24 March 2021.^ "Houston Lee Tumlin" . www.legacy.com .^ "Houston Lee Tumlin graduated from Victory Christian High School in Pell City in 2011 and served in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Ky" . facebook.com .^ " . www.newsaegis.com . 24 March 2022.^ "Houston Tumlin, child actor in 'Talladega Nights,' dies at 28" . www.nbcnews.com . 24 March 2021.^ "Former 'Talladega Nights' child actor Houston Tumlin dies at 28" . www.today.com . 24 March 2021.^ "Houston Tumlin, 'Talladega Nights' Child Actor, Dead at 28" . www.kare11.com . 24 March 2021.^ "Army Vet Houston Tumlin, Star of 'Talladega Nights,' Dead at 28" . www.military.com . 25 March 2021.^ "In Memory of SGT Houston Lee Tumlin, US Army December 27, 1992 – March 23, 2021 Camp Humphreys, Korea Houston was a child actor for years; he was known for his part in Talladega Nights, and played Will Ferrell's son, Walker Bobby. He played football and baseball all through school. He loved his time serving in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft Campbell, earning his air assault wings was his greatest accomplishment. He left the Army with full honors in 2019 and he missed it every day until the day he left this world. Houston struggled for 4 years with PTSD, depression and alcoholism. We later found out that he also had CTE (brain trauma) from multiple concussions, which doctors say aided in his death by suicide. My goal as his mother is to fight for him, to be his voice on this earth, and to help with awareness. There is help out there. He called Alabama home and his resting place is the military section at St. Clair Memorial Gardens, Pell City, AL. #22TooMany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten" . facebook.com .^ "Houston Tumlin, 'Talladega Nights' child actor, dies by suicide at 28" . www.usatoday.com .^ "Houstin Tumlin, 'Talledega Nights' co-star and Army veteran, dies by suicide at 28" . wshechicago.com . 24 March 2021.^ "Decorated Army Veteran, Talladega Nights star diagnosed with CTE at VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank" . concussionfoundation.org .^ "Houston Tumlin, 'Talladega Nights' child actor, dead at 28" . www.kiro7.com . 25 March 2021.^ "The actor who played young Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights has died" . NewsComAu . 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2021-04-17 .^ "Talladega Nights Child Star Houston Tumlin Struggled with PTSD and Depression Before Death, Says Mom" . People . Retrieved 2021-04-17 .^ "Houston Tumlin obituary: Talladega Nights actor dies at 28" . Legacy.com . 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2021-04-17 .^ " . New York Post . 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2022-01-05 .^ "New Pell City store will raise money for veterans and honor the memory of Houston Tumlin" . www.annistonstar.com . 23 March 2022.^ "Houston Project Official Facebook Page" . facebook.com .^ "Helping area veterans and honoring a military son's memory" . discoverstclair.com . 6 October 2022.
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