Jackson Browne’s Son Ethan, Who Appeared in ‘Raising Helen,’ Dies at 52

The entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of Ethan Zane Browne, who passed away at 52. His father, iconic singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, shared the heartbreaking announcement via his official Instagram, confirming that Ethan was discovered unresponsive at his residence this Tuesday.

Jackson Browne’s emotional post conveyed the family's profound grief, stating, "It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away." He appealed for privacy during this difficult period. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has not yet determined an official cause, listing it as "deferred" pending further analysis, including toxicology testing—a standard step in such investigations.

Ethan Browne cultivated a varied career spanning film, television, and music. His acting credits included the cyber-thriller "Hackers," the movie "Raising Helen" with Kate Hudson, and a guest spot on the series "Birds of Prey." He was also active as a musician and DJ, exploring different facets of the arts. This tragedy echoes a painful family history: his mother, actress and model Phyllis Major—Jackson Browne’s first wife—died by suicide from an overdose in 1976, when Ethan was only three. A family friend, who wished to remain anonymous, noted, “That early, profound loss has been an enduring part of their family narrative, which makes this new tragedy feel particularly cruel and devastating.”

Jackson Browne, whose landmark 1970s albums like "Late for the Sky" established him as a defining voice of the singer-songwriter movement, has often woven personal grief into his music. The loss of Phyllis Major deeply influenced his work, and now, the death of his son adds another layer of sorrow to his legacy. As one music historian observed, “Browne’s art has always reflected life’s hardest moments—this is an unspeakable personal blow that resonates across the world of music and film where Ethan also made his mark.”