Justin was so special to me. His energy was infectious—he never met a stranger, and his laugh, his smile, and his warm hugs are things I’ll never forget.

Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones: driving around with no destination, just to listen to Serial together. We’d talk for hours afterward, sitting in the car like the world could wait. 

I remember starting The 10th Kingdom with him, totally skeptical, and ending up obsessed—because of course he had great taste. I’ll never not think of him when I hear Beyoncé, Of Montreal, or Walk the Moon. We danced in his kitchen to “Shut Up and Dance” on repeat at least 10 times. We were so winded.

Getting to share a Red Wings game in Detroit and seeing The Book of Mormon together are two moments I’ll always hold close. He brought so much joy and presence into everything.

He always told me he used to tell Wanda, growing up, that he wanted to be a “big mommy” like her one day. I’m so happy he got to live out that dream. I know he was an incredible father—he was made for it. And I know he and his momma’s reunion was absolutely spectacular.

I have so many beautiful memories with Justin, and I’ll cherish them and hold them close forever. Please accept my deepest, deepest condolences. 

Donny’s Distance Dilemma.

A taste of Justin’s acting chops. 

“I just try to live to love life.”