Former “Home and Away” actor Ben Unwin has died at the age of 41 in northern New South Wales, Australia.
According to local reports, the former Australian actor was found by police on Aug. 14 just a day before he would have turned 42.
“Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare,” NSW Police said in a statement. “The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.”
Unwin played the character Jesse McGregor from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2002 to 2005. After leaving the show, he worked in the music industry for a time, which included directing videos for Boy George and Culture Club, according to news.com.au.
He later studied and completed a law degree, and became a solicitor in Newcastle, according to Woman’s Day magazine.
Channel 7, which broadcast “Home and Away,” expressed condolences after the actor’s death.
“Cast and crew from ‘Home and Away’ are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, Ben Unwin,” a spokeswoman said, according to news.com.au.
“Ben’s work in the role of Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers,” she added.
Home and Away star Ben Unwin dead at 41. https://t.co/wxoxjEtYrO pic.twitter.com/IA9DEucTRh
— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) August 20, 2019
According to IMDB, after Unwin finished his High School Certificate, he auditioned for a role in “Home and Away,” but was instead given another role of Jesse McGregor, which was written for him.
Unwin was nominated for a “Most Popular New Talent Logie Award” and a “British National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer” in 1997.
Actress Ada Nicodemou, who played Jesse’s ex Leah, sent condolences after learning of Unwin’s death.
“I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family,” she told Nine News.
Former and current cast and crew members of Home And Away have expressed their shock after the body of soap star Ben Unwin was found on a remote property in northern NSW.https://t.co/spX1xT9cpB via @JMOConfidential
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) August 20, 2019
Australian actress Lynne McGranger was shocked to hear news of his passing, according to The Daily Telegraph.
“What a terrible tragedy,” she told the paper. “Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Another co-star, Kimberley Cooper, who played Gypsy Smith on “Home And Away,” told news.com.au about her experiences working with him and added that she was “just so sad” having learned of his death.
“He was a gift to come to work with everyday and to be on the receiving end of his friendship was to know unwavering support, loyalty and love,” she told the outlet.
On Instagram, she dedicated a post to Unwin where she shared an image of a TV Week magazine cover.
“My first TV Week cover was with you. We had years of laughter, be it giggles on set trying to get through scenes as lovers or doubled over belly laughs at the pubs after work,” Cooper wrote. “I will be sad for now, but I promise to tell stories of great joy about our times together. You forever hold a special place in my heart. Love you Onion.”
