American-born actor Jay Benedict, 68, who played Russ Jordan in Aliens and starred in The Dark Knight Rises, has died from coronavirus. The news of his death was confirmed on his official website.
A statement read: “It is with profound sorrow that we must announce Jay’s death on the 4th of April due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the actor, with Allo Allo star Vicki Michelle writing on Twitter: “Shocked to hear one of our most brilliant actors and kind lovely man Jay Benedict has passed.
“Married to my lovely friend Phoebe Scholfield #AlloAllo My heart goes out to her and her family at this sad time #PhoebeScholfield @FreddieBenedict #LeoBenedict #SyncorSwim #COVID19.”
John Challis, who is best known for playing Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in Only Fools And Horses, also took to Twitter to pay tribute.
He penned: “Strangest coincidence this morning-talking on the telephone to my brother in law & telling him that my old friend Jay Benedict died yesterday.
“Talented actor & someone I used to rock around with,& Johnny said ‘Oh no! Jay was my friend at school.’ Weird or what? @SherrieHewson.” (sic)
Jay’s representatives, TCG Artist Management, wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear client Jay Benedict, who this afternoon lost his battle with COVID-19. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Fans have also taken to social media to offer their condelences, as one person said: “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Jay Benedict. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Another person remarked: “Still thinking of the wonderful man #JayBenedict. Many of us in the film & TV industry were lucky to work with him. He was an actor, producer, writer & all-round creative who worked his whole life. The industry is mourning a beautiful soul. My heart is thinking of his family.”
While a third person added: “Jay Benedict – one of the greats – passed away today. If you work in ADR, dubbing, voiceovers, theatre or film in London, you know why we’re heartbroken; a big voice and even bigger personality has left us.”
Jay was born in Burbank, California in 1951 but his family moved to Europe when he was a young child.
The actor was able to speak several languages including English, French, Spanish and German.
Jay starred in Aliens and also had a role in The Dark Knight Rises.
He was also known for playing John Kieffer, the US Army officer and friend of Christopher Foyle in Foyle’s War.
According to his website, recent projects have included Downton Abbey, Dickensian, Call the Midwife and Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands.
He’d previously been in Emmerdale and acted opposite Abi Titmuss in the stage adaption Two-Way Mirror.
