Jesse McCartney and the other former members of Dream Street took to social media Wednesday to pay tribute to groupmate Chris Trousdale.
Trousdale died Tuesday at a Burbank, California hospital from complications from COVID-19. He was 34.
He, McCartney as well as Greg Raposo, Matt Ballinger and Frankie Galasso were members of Dream Street for about three years in the early 2000s.
“We were young kids with budding talent who shared an overwhelming love for music and performing,” recalled McCartney, who said Trousdale had “an explosively charming personality with boundless amounts of talent.”
McCartney added: “Chris, in my opinion, was the most popular among us, who had a way of drawing every eye to what he was doing on stage.”
Raposo shared only: “Words too hard to find right now. Working on something for you my old friend…”
On Instagram, Ballinger wrote: “It really doesn’t feel real. Chris was such a big part of my life growing up. Being in Dream Street together was truly a special experience that I will always cherish. Chris was hands down the best dancer and obviously had the most iconic hair. He brought so much energy on the stage and it always pushed me to elevate mine.”
Galasso shared: “Chris and I’s friendship drifted after the group, but we shared an incredible moment in time that most people can only dream of, let alone experience. Some of the fondest memories in my life are ones that he was a part of. His passing weighs heavy on my heart, but I will always have the memories, of those years with him, to look back on fondly.
“I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak his family is going through today, and I send my deepest condolences. You were taken too soon, but I know you are in a better place. Rest in peace brother.”
A native of Florida, Trousdale was eight years old when he starred in a touring production of Les Misérables and then in the Broadway production.
Dream Street released its self-titled debut album in 2001 and a soundtrack album to the 2002 film The Biggest Fan, which starred Trousdale. The group disbanded when the singers' parents filed a lawsuit alleging their minor sons were exposed to alcohol, women and pornography.
Following his stint in Dream Street, Trousdale continued to release music and had a handful of small roles on television. Most recently, he was reportedly working at a dance studio.