Musician Jackson Browne announces the death of his actor son Ethan Browne, what happened to Phyllis Major?
Raising Helen actor Ethan Browne was found ‘unresponsive’ at his home.
Musician Jackson Browne has shared the news that his son, Raising Helen actor Ethan Browne has died at 52. He took to Instagram to share a statement which read: “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. We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time. No further details are available at this moment.”
Ethan Browne, who was born in Los Angeles on November 2, 1973, appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone with dad Jackson Browne when he was just six months old. Ethan Browne was best known as a model actor and DJ who founded the label Spinside Records. He appeared in Hackers, an episode of The WB’s Birds of Prey in 2002 and Raising Helen in 2004.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Jackson and Major (Ethan’s mother Pyllis Major) were married for four months, from December 1975 until March 1976, when she died by suicide. Ethan was only 2 at the time. “
Jackson Browne was asked by Route magazine the question: “With Phyllis’ passing in 1976, you went through a major tragedy yourself. Ethan was about two years old at the time. What was it like being a single dad, raising a son, and being a musician, and pursuing your career? I mean, so much going on. What a balance to try to maintain.”
In response to this question: Jackson Browne said: “Well, it was my main focus. I only had two things that I hoped I could fit together: being a songwriter and a father. And I looked at it like this, if I have to only be a father, I hope I’ll know it, and just do that. But life’s not like that and you don’t get a notice in the mail saying you’re blowing it as a parent.”
Jackson Browne is an American rock musician, singer, songwriter, and political activist who has sold over 30 million albums in the United States. He is known for his hit songs ‘Doctor My Eyes’ and ‘Running on Empty.’ After Phyllis Major died of a drug overdose, Jackson Browne went on to marry Lynne Sweeney, and had another son, Ryan Daniel Browne.
In 2022, Jackson Browne gave an interview to Tru Rock Revival where he said: “Ethan is a great father. He's a great son, a great man. I love seeing him with his kids. When I see him in his movies, modeling, with his daughter, and being such a great dad, it makes me very proud. It makes me feel I've done something really right in my life.”
According to Celebrity Net worth, Jackson Browne has a net worth of $50 million.
Did Jackson Browne go out with actress Daryl Hannah?
Yes, musician Jackson Browne was in a relationship with Daryl Hannah that reportedly lasted around 10 years and ended in the early 1990s. In March 2023, Forbes reported that “The one-time Santa Monica, California digs of singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Jackson Browne and his actress partner Daryl Hannah just hit the market for $22.5 million.”
* If you are suffering with suicidal thoughts, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123 for free, confidential support People with hearing problems or other communication difficulties can text 07889 036 280.