Houston Tumlin Dies: ‘Talladega Nights’ Child Star Was 28; Director Adam McKay Remembers “Joyful And Talented” Actor

Houston Tumlin, who at 13 played the elder son of Will Ferrell’s title character in 2006’s Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, died Tuesday night at his home in Pelham, AL. He was 28.

Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans confirmed to Deadline that Tumlin died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Tumlin, in his sole acting credit, played Walker Bobby, son of NASCAR driver Ricky and older brother of Texas Ranger Bobby (Grayson Russell).

“Truly heartbroken and stunned at Houston’s passing,” tweeted Talladega Nights director and co-writer Adam McKay. “He was a joyful and talented person. Will never forget the laughs and good times we had. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.”

In a memorable Talladega Nights dinner scene, Tumlin’s Walker and Russell’s Texas Ranger recount their day in school for dad Ricky and the rest of the family. “I threw a bunch of Grandpa Chip’s war medals off the bridge,” Walker says, to which Dad responds, “Sounds like a good day.” When Grandpa objects, Walker yells, “Shut up, Chip! Or I’ll go apeshit on your ass!”

In his early 20s, Tumlin served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. Information on survivors was not immediately available.

Truly heartbroken and stunned at Houston’s passing. He was a joyful and talented person. Will never forget the laughs and good times we had. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends. https://t.co/qTeluYxNqH via @Deadline

— Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) March 24, 2021

SGT Houston Tumlin came to me as PVT Tumlin. He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (hands down) one of my best Soldiers in my company. Came ready to work.

Please check on each other. Get help if you need it. We need you. https://t.co/iEXNb8cf9f pic.twitter.com/i6lTsk2rq0

— Geoff Carmichael (@geoffcarmichael) March 24, 2021

Some of y’all might know who this is. This is Houston Tumlin, aka “Hooty”. He was “Walker” in Talladega Nights (Will Ferrell’s Son). I graduated with him and he was one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. He recently passed, and words can’t describe how hard this is. RIP buddy. pic.twitter.com/aOFkn61dzI

— MATCH1N (@match1n_) March 24, 2021

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources