Peyton List Cries Unexpectedly Remembering Cameron Boyce 5 Years After His Death: 'I Want to Call Him' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

(L) Peyton List and Cameron Boyce.Photo:Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/Getty

Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic/Getty

WhenPeyton Listthinks about her late friendCameron Boyce, her eyes still brim with tears.

Inan exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, theCobra Kaiactress, 26, was filled with emotion as she reflected on how she continues to honor her formerJessiecostar after his death at age 20.

Boyce, whohad been living with epilepsy, died in July 2019 after suffering a seizure in his sleep.

(L-R) Cameron Boyce, Michelle Obama and Peyton List.Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images

“I just try to go every year and raise as much money as possible, and yeah, just talk about him whenever I can,” she added. “He was such a great person.”

The annual event — aptly titled Cam For A Cause: A Fundraiser for The Cameron Boyce Foundation To End Epilepsy — is held every year in an effort to raise money and awareness for epilepsy and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

(L) Cameron Boyce and Peyton List on ‘Jessie’.Kelsey McNeal/DISNEY CHANNEL via Getty

Kelsey McNeal/DISNEY CHANNEL via Getty

When asked if there was anything she’d like to share with Boyce today, List grew emotional at the thought of speaking to her friend one last time.

“Yeah, all the time. Every moment in my life,” she said. “He was one of my best friends and he was like a brother to me growing up, so every time something big happens I want to call him.”

She continued, wiping away tears, “I didn’t expect to cry, because I talk about him so much that I don’t expect to cry anymore, but it hits at different times.”

Boyce and List became friends after playing siblings on Disney Channel’sJessiefor four seasons airing from 2011 to 2017. Shortly after the news of his death went public, theSchool Spiritsstar shared just how much he meant to her in a lengthy tribute posted to Instagram.

“The boy whose contagious laugh I can still hear. The boy who left everyone feeling hopeful and full of love,” she began at the time. “He was younger than me but taught me how to spread love and kindness more than anyone that has ever been in my life.”

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“There is a hole in my heart that will never heal left for you. I will never stop talking about you,” she added. “I will never stop talking about you. My kids will hear about you with every lesson and your legacy will live on.”

My heart is broken I’ve never hurt this bad,” List concluded before signing off, “You sister forever and always, Peyton.”

Jessiecan be streamed in full on Disney+, and the first two installments of List’s seriesCobra Kaiseason 6 are now available to stream on Netflix. Part 3 ofCobra Kaiseason 6 will arrive on the streamer on Feb. 13.

source: people.com