Ben Unwin played Jesse McGregor on Home and Away on-and-off for a decade. Photo / news.com.au
Former Home And Away star Ben Unwin has died.
Unwin was 41 when his body was found by police on August 14, a day before his 42nd birthday, news.com.au reports.
"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 Jesse McGregor on the soap on-and-off for a decade after landing the role a month after completing year 12, according to his IMDB entry.
While he had initially auditioned for another role he ultimately landed the role of Summer Bay bad boy Jesse, which was written specially for him.
Unwin first played Jesse in a four-year stint from 1996, then again from 2002 to 2005.
In a statement, Channel 7 said it was "saddened" to learn of Unwin's passing.
"Cast and crew from Home And Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, Ben Unwin," a spokeswoman said.
"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."
Long-running cast members Lynne McGranger and Ada Nicodemou are both "deeply saddened" by Unwin's death and "their thoughts are with Ben's family", a spokeswoman for the actresses said.
McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts on the soap, described Unwin's death as a "terrible tragedy".
"Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends," McGranger told The Daily Telegraph.
Nicodemou, whose character Leah Patterson-Baker had a relationship with Unwin's character, told nine.com.au: "I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben's passing, my heart goes out to his family."
Kimberley Cooper, who played Gypsy Smith on Home and Away alongside Unwin, told news.com.au she was "just so sad" to learn 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 said.
Cooper led the tributes to her former co-star on social media, posting a photo of them on the cover of TV Week.
In the caption Cooper wrote: "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.
"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."
Unwin was nominated for Most Popular New Talent at the 1997 Logie Awards (which was won by Tasma Walton from Blue Heelers), and in 1999, received nominations for Best Actor and Sexiest Male from the Inside Soap Awards.
After leaving Home and Away Unwin went to work in the music world, directing videos for Boy George and Culture Club that included singles I Just Wanna Be Loved and Your Kisses Are Charity.
Unwin later turned his back on showbusiness and completed a law degree. According to a 2016 article in Woman's Day, Unwin was working as a senior solicitor in Newcastle.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:
• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202
Show sets new record after winning nine gongs.