Former child actor Christian Cousins, best known for starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the beloved 1990 comedy “Kindergarten Cop,” has died at 43 following a battle with liver disease.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his brother, Jonas Roeser, who announced Cousins’ death in an emotional Instagram tribute posted Oct. 22.
Page Six first reported the news Friday, Nov. 13, bringing renewed attention to the former Hollywood star’s life and career.
“He was a character, full of passion and energy, with big stories and even bigger dreams. Christian had been very sick with liver disease,” Roeser wrote.
Cousins rose to fame as a young child when he and his twin brother, Joseph “Joey” Cousins, shared the role of Dominic Palmieri in “Kindergarten Cop.”
The hit comedy featured Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble, an undercover police officer who unexpectedly finds himself teaching a classroom full of kindergarten students while investigating a dangerous criminal.
Dominic played a central role in the film’s storyline, portraying the young son of Joyce Palmieri, played by Penelope Ann Miller.
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The movie became a fan favorite and introduced audiences to the Cousins twins, who were just children when they appeared alongside one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars.
But their Hollywood careers began well before the Schwarzenegger blockbuster.
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The brothers also appeared in the popular television drama “Knots Landing,” establishing themselves as recognizable young performers.
Christian went on to appear in several additional productions, including “Critters 3” in 1991, “Intruders” in 1992 and “Twin Sitters” in 1994.
Despite his early success, Cousins eventually stepped away from acting and pursued a career outside the entertainment industry.
His brother reflected on their unusual family history, revealing that the siblings grew up in different states and did not meet until Roeser was attending college.
“Before that, I grew up watching them on television in Knots Landing and the lead role of Dominic in Kindergarten Cop with Arnold Schwarzenegger. But those roles are only a small part of how I’ll remember Christian,” Roeser wrote.
Although Cousins largely left Hollywood behind, he reunited with his former castmates in December 2020 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Kindergarten Cop.”
The virtual reunion, organized by Yahoo Entertainment, featured several former child actors from the film and included a surprise appearance by Schwarzenegger himself.
“It is the funniest thing to see all of you guys,” Schwarzenegger said during the conversation.
Cousins revealed during the reunion that he had become an executive in the furniture industry and was also a co-owner of a CBD business.
He also took the opportunity to thank Schwarzenegger for one of their memorable scenes together.
“By the way, after 30 years I want to thank you again for saving my life from Richard Tyson in the locker room,” Christian told the actor.
“And I’m glad you ended up with my mom for that movie,” he jokingly added about the romance between their characters. “That was awesome.”
Looking back on his childhood role, Cousins described himself as “one half of the enterprise that made the character Dominic,” acknowledging the part he shared with his twin brother.
He also admitted he didn’t “know the significance of the role” when the twins were cast.
More than three decades after the film’s release, “Kindergarten Cop” remains one of Schwarzenegger’s most recognizable comedies.
For Cousins’ family, however, his legacy extends far beyond his childhood acting career.
Roeser concluded his tribute with a final message to his late brother.
“I hope your soul is at rest and that you’ve found peace. You are my brother and you will be missed.”
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
