Key Highlights
- Christian Cousins, who shared the role of Dominic Palmieri in Kindergarten Cop, has died aged 43.
- His brother, Jonas Roeser, announced the death on Instagram on 22 October and said Cousins had been ‘very sick with liver disease’.
- Cousins also appeared in Critters 3, Unfaithful, The Babysitters, Knots Landing and other television productions.
Christian Cousins Dies at 43 After Liver Disease Battle
Christian Cousins, best known for playing Dominic Palmieri in the 1990 action comedy Kindergarten Cop, has died aged 43. Cousins died in October, and his brother Jonas Roeser announced the news on Instagram on 22 October, explaining that the former child actor had been ‘very sick with liver disease’.
Roeser wrote: “Itâs hard to share that my brother, Christian Cousins, has passed away. Christian and his twin brother, Joseph ‘Joey’ Cousins, are my brothers through my biological father.”
He added: “They grew up in California while I was in Washington and I didnât get to know them until I was in college. Before that, I grew up watching them on television in Knots Landing and the lead role of Dominic in Kindergarten Cop with Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
Kindergarten Cop Role and Acting Career
Christian Cousins and his twin brother, Joseph ‘Joey’ Cousins, shared the role of Dominic in Kindergarten Cop. The film, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, became one of the highest-grossing films of 1990.
Garrett Hedlund Says âHeartlandâ Co-Star Jessica Chastain Was âExtremely Committedâ
Roeser said the role was only a ‘small part’ of how he would remember his brother. He wrote: “He was a character, full of passion and energy, with big stories and even bigger dreams.”
Cousins also played Johnny in Critters 3, Colin Stevens in Unfaithful and Bradley in The Babysitters as a child. His television credits included appearances in Knots Landing, Dream On, Empty Nest and Intruders.
Family Pays Tribute to Christian Cousins
Reflecting on Cousinsâs health struggles, Roeser said it brought comfort to know his brother was ‘now in heaven with his mother, free from the pain he was carrying’. He concluded his tribute by writing: “Rest easy, Christian. I hope your soul is at rest and that youâve found peace. You are my brother and you will be missed,”
Arnold Schwarzenegger also discussed working with the child actors from Kindergarten Cop during a 30th anniversary reunion held on Zoom. Schwarzenegger said his time with the children on the film helped prepare him for becoming a father.
Speaking to the child actors, Schwarzenegger said their performances were what ‘really made this movie’. He added: “Thatâs what made it endearing, thatâs what made it successful, and people wanted to watch it over and over again.”
Why This Matters
Christian Cousinsâs death marks the loss of a performer remembered for one of Kindergarten Copâs most recognizable child roles, as well as appearances across film and television. The filmâs enduring audience and its 30th anniversary reunion continued to highlight the importance of the young cast to the productionâs lasting appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Christian Cousins?
Christian Cousins was an actor who shared the role of Dominic Palmieri in Kindergarten Cop with his twin brother, Joseph ‘Joey’ Cousins. He also appeared in Critters 3, Unfaithful, The Babysitters and several television shows.
How old was Christian Cousins when he died?
Christian Cousins was 43 years old when he died in October.
What was the cause of Christian Cousinsâs death?
His brother, Jonas Roeser, said Cousins had been ‘very sick with liver disease’.
