Lucy Gordon, British Actress, Found Dead In Paris

PARIS — British actress Lucy Gordon, who appeared in "Spider-Man 3," was found dead in her Paris apartment after apparently committing suicide, French police said Thursday. She was 28.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, though it appeared to be a suicide, said an official with the Paris police headquarters. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of police agency policy, gave no details.

Gordon, who would have turned 29 on Friday, appeared in a dozen films, including as reporter Jennifer Dugan in "Spider-Man 3." She portrays British singer and actress Jane Birkin in an upcoming biopic about Serge Gainsbourg.

Gordon's father said the death was a "complete shock."

Speaking from the family's home in Oxford, Richard Gordon told Britain's Press Association that his daughter was "a natural actress all her life, since she was about 2."

"She's always loved being on stage and in front of the camera and she has kept all her naturalness and charm all the way through. She has been the most beautiful daughter. We are obviously devastated."

He said she loved her latest role, in the Gainsbourg film, and thought the cast was "wonderfully creative and supportive."

He added that his daughter spent much of her childhood and her summer vacations in France and was bilingual. She recently moved to Paris after living in New York.

Gordon's agents did not return phone calls seeking comment Thursday.

Comments

[Anonani]

Depression is an illness. Life problems can send people over the edge too. My heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and friends.

[EbenSpinoza]

Consider that the human nervous system is more complex than than the endocrine system. Yet few of the readers of this article, would criticize a 28-year diabetic who needed to take insulin to care for her illness. It is possible that this young actress suffered from untreated clinical depression -- and, if so, may have very well, benefited greatly from appropriate medication. In any case, no one who has commented here knows this person -- and it irresponsible and unfeeling to make harsh statements, especially when her surviving family is undoubtedly suffering.

[MikeDu]

I had enough friends back around that age who seemed to have the world on a string, but you later learn had "attempted' suicide, or "planned" suicide, or "considered" suicide. When you find you're at the top a person can think "This is all there is? This is what I've been chasing?" The concept of 'ennui' does not get much respect these days, but it can drag you down-down-down.

[Patricia84]

You're right on.

[brandnewstuff]

Somehow I do not trust this story- I do not know her but my gut feeling is this stinks of foul play

[Patricia84]

The parents themselves said there was no foul play.

[mediamarv]

Probably watched Cheney's speech.

Condolences to the family. this really is a tragedy.

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

This stinks of foul play.

Maybe she was forced to do it - either do it or get shot.

It's a possibility.

[otop016]

Yeah...tha­t seems completely logical. You, DrJohnnySkeptic, are a D B..

[PhDiva]

Why? How? The only odd thing was that she wasn't alone.

[cocolola]

I understand that the authorities are now questioning her boyfriend. They are not saying why.

[AlexFTW]

He found her body, it's just routine.

[Patricia84]

She committed suicide in their Paris apartment while the boyfriend was sleeping. And God knows, how depressing living in Paris can get.

[fcsakes]

Deepest condolences to family and friends.

Please, if you are suffering depression and have feelings of hurting or killing yourself, here is some information that could help you: http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

Take care of your precious self.

[tlgeiger62]

If no one knew anything was wrong, maybe she was a better actress than anyone imagined. Such a tragedy.

[merger]

Too sad for words.

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

The sad truth is that any of us can find ourselves battling depression. At the hospital where I'm currently employed, we've taken the extraordinary step of asking people the very direct question "have you thought about harming yourself or your loved ones within the past six weeks"....­.4 out of 10 people answer "yes". It's an inaccurate scientific study, but for my hospital (which sees the majority of the uninsured in Denver) that's frighteningly high!

The stigma surrounding depression has to stop, and what frightens me is that as a nurse I can honestly say that my profession isn't well equipped to eliminate the stigma, only ameliorate the symptoms.

[mychagall]

Very well said. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. With the new pharmacology and therapy that are being offered now, this illness can be under control and one could live a long and happy life.

[ZellaBee]

First of all you don't even know if it was depression or suicide. I think you are jumping to conclusions.

[H I McDonough]

If it weren't for religion's claim that you can't get to Heaven if you off yourself, I'm afraid it would become the number one cause of de@th in the world.

[H I McDonough]

This was not stated in a glib or hurtful intent.

[SBrooksB]

With or without religion, I think most people would back away from the cliff, if only for the sake of their loved ones. Having said that, anyone who's ever been profoundly depressed can empathize with those who end their lives because they cannot imagine another solution. The brain gets trapped in that tunnel where dying seems the only way forward. Condolences to Ms. Gordon's family and friends. This is very sad.

[merger]

Not all religions believe that. Catholics do , but not all protestant faiths do.

[AlexFTW]

Really? So, then do you have any evidence that Atheists kill themselves more than believers? Just a for instance.

[Patricia84]

you mean atheist have no religion and do not think they're going to heaven?

[rabiddog6708]

Apparently, Lucy Gordon hanged herself. I read she was distraught by the recent suicide of a friend in the UK. It seems that her boyfriend found her.

[sanileo]

by our atheistic reasoning, there is no reason for existence in the first place, why dont we choose to end it all. she took the first step, now who is next

[aristippe]

poor boy

[FRobert]

If one uses "atheistic reasoning" this life is all there is. We should make the best of it by helping others, enjoying life, and not posting hurtful messages. I did not know Lucy Gordon but her death is a tragedy no matter what the cause.

[plaidlemur]

'our'? I don't know the name of the mouse in your pocket, but my atheistic reasoning concludes that there are all sorts of reasons to continue existence--mine and others. The lack of a 'reason' for the beginnings of life doesn't outweigh the amazing opportunity to experience consciousness and to help others continue theirs.

[brooklyncitizen]

Amen.

[antbus]

Go for it.

[MajorKong]

Conversely, if you believe you're going to Heaven, wouldn't you want to get there that much sooner?

There's an old saying "Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die".

[Magnus Nodén]

I, my self, have had problems with depression. Never to the point of being suicidal but my wife tried to commit suicide by swallwoing a bunch of antidepressants. It was just dumb luck that I came home in time to call the paramedics or she'd be dead by now. For years I lived with a constant fear that I would come home and find my wife dead. I can't stress the importance of getting the help you need if you feel depressed. It can literally save your life.
Excuse me if my english is bad. It is not my first language.

[MsLiz]

Magnus, your English is better than that of some Americans. I hope you and your wife are doing better now. You sound like a good man.

Depression is a serious condition, and I urge readers not to ignore it in family or friends.

[sunshinerain]

Also if you are depressed and/or suicidal..­.you can tell someone. Don't keep those feelings to yourself.

[kpowellokc]

I'm so sorry to read your story. Just in case you haven't seen this article-you should check it out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-peter-breggin/the-big-suicide-loophole-_b_35990.html

[3dtrix]

Bless you for your courage.

[tnrc75]

Magnus, thanks for your openness and honesty. Yes, if someone makes suicidal threats or expresses suicidal thoughts, please take them seriously. You don't know whether or not they're serious. Statistically, perhaps they won't turn out to be true, but you don't want to ignore a statement and then have something tragic happen. I too have struggled with depression and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Be nice to one another.

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

THANK YOU for being brave enough to share your story. As an ER nurse, I only wish more people will take your advice and seek the help that they need.