The sudden death of actor Devin Harjes, best known for his role in “Boardwalk Empire,” has left fans and colleagues in shock. He passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 41, after battling cancer. Harjes died at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City due to complications from the illness, which he had been diagnosed with earlier in the winter. His representative described him as a dedicated and compassionate artist, someone who gave his all to every role. Devin was remembered not just for his acting talent, but also for his deep love for family, friends, animals, and horseback riding.
His sister, Trish Harjes, confirmed the news on Facebook and asked that those wishing to honor his memory consider donating to TKC Blessings, an organization supporting scholarships for aspiring young artists. She also invited people to share memories, photos, and tributes on Devin’s online obituary, where a memorial video would be posted.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in online. Some commenters admitted they hadn’t followed his career closely but still offered heartfelt condolences, recognizing the cruel nature of cancer. One fan expressed sorrow, writing, “Gone too soon, RIP,” while another praised Devin’s performance in shows like “Daredevil” and “Gotham,” highlighting the emotional depth he brought to every role. Several others lamented the indiscriminate cruelty of cancer, noting that it strikes regardless of age, fame, or lifestyle. One user simply said, “He will always be in our hearts this day forward.”
Industry colleagues also took to social media to honor him. Filmmaker Antonio DiFonzo, who worked with Devin on “The Boyz of Summer,” praised his artistic passion and impact on set. Writer and director Debra Markowitz described him as a valued alumnus of the Long Island International Film Expo and emphasized that he had died far too young.
Born on July 29, 1983, Devin Harjes grew up near Lubbock, Texas. His bond with the land and animals was evident from infancy — his father introduced him and his sister to horseback riding within days of his birth. That early connection to nature helped shape his grounded personality and his artistic vision. He began acting on stage in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, quickly earning praise for performances such as Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. After moving to New York City, he pursued roles in off-Broadway productions and student films before making a name for himself in the indie film world.
His acting achievements included winning Best Actor at the Tolentino International Film Festival in Italy for The Forest is Red and receiving Honorable Mention for Best Supporting Actor at the Long Island International Film Expo for The Boyz of Summer. Devin also had roles in several popular television dramas, including Orange Is the New Black, Elementary, Blue Bloods, FBI, and Manifest. His performance in Boardwalk Empire helped solidify his place as a versatile and talented actor.
He is survived by his parents, Randy and Rosanne Harjes; his sister, Trish, and her husband, Justin Kelley; his nephews, Tristin and Sawyer; nieces, Rory and Charly; and his beloved cat, Maude. Devin also leaves behind his former wife, actress and writer Shiva Kalaiselvan. Beyond his on-screen work, Devin will be remembered for the life he lived off camera—marked by kindness, passion, and a strong sense of purpose.
Just days before news of Devin Harjes’s passing broke, another loss had captured public attention: the death of Latonya Pottain, a former participant in Season 11 of My 600-lb Life. Latonya died on May 17, 2025, at the age of 40, at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed her cause of death as congestive heart failure. They did not perform an autopsy and classified her death as due to natural causes. According to her family, she had spent the morning with loved ones but began experiencing breathing difficulties before passing away shortly after calling an ambulance.
Latonya had long struggled with serious health issues. A year before her death, she posted a message on Facebook asking for prayers, writing that her heart wasn’t working properly and doctors had done all they could. She was bedridden since June 2024 and had reached a weight near 705 pounds. Despite once weighing 740 pounds and managing to reduce it slightly, her overall condition had worsened.
Her appearance on My 600-lb Life highlighted her battle with food addiction and emotional trauma. Although she hired a personal trainer and attempted to follow the program, she had difficulty staying on track. She admitted that food was a way to manage her emotional pain and often expressed disappointment in herself for her inability to change. Her mental health took a severe hit after public backlash following the show. In 2023, she moved to Houston in hopes of a fresh start, but instead found herself in an abusive relationship and later received devastating news about her father’s cancer diagnosis. These events drove her back to Louisiana, where her health further declined.
Latonya suffered from extreme sciatica pain and digestive issues. She was prescribed medication, but her body didn’t respond well, and she began therapy. Compounding her health struggles, emergency responders at one point refused to transport her due to safety concerns tied to her size. With no income and limited mobility, she turned to the public for financial help through a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and basic needs. She wrote about her challenges openly, expressing her desire to fight for her life despite the odds.
Her final social media post came in September 2024 and featured a lighthearted photo with floating heart graphics. Since her death, fans have continued to leave messages of support and remembrance. TLC had previously uploaded a video detailing her weight-loss journey, including her hopes to start a family. Latonya shared that she finally felt loved and supported and wanted to live a normal life with someone who cared for her.
In a poignant scene on the show, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan reminded her that she had gained back a substantial amount of weight and warned her of the consequences. He urged her to leave her motorized wheelchair behind and start physical therapy immediately. Despite his warnings and her occasional motivation, she was ultimately unable to follow through with the program, and Dr. Nowzaradan made the difficult decision to stop treating her.
Both Devin Harjes and Latonya Pottain leave behind stories filled with hardship, hope, and humanity. Though they came from different walks of life, each touched people in deeply personal ways—through art, vulnerability, and the courage to share their journeys.
