Ben Unwin.Ben Unwin starred as Jesse McGregor in the soap for a decade.
Former Home and Away star Ben Unwin has passed away aged 41.
Unwin was 41 when his body was found by police on August 14, a day before his 42nd birthday.
“Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare,” New South Wales 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 his final year of schooling, 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.
He 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.
Tributes.
Social media tributes have poured in for Unwin, with fans remembering him for bringing to life one of Home And Away’s most memorable characters:
Ben Unwin was one of my favourites on Home and Away. I covered my school books and walls with photos of him. This is terrible news. https://t.co/rH1mhwfej7
Thinking of his loved ones.
Lifeline: 131114
— Carly Findlay (@carlyfindlay) August 20, 2019
So sad to hear about Ben Unwin. He was an amazing actor. Thinking of the #HomeandAway cast today #benunwin
— Nattytude (@nattytude) August 20, 2019
My thoughts are with everyone at @HomeandAwayTV and Ben Unwin family and friends he was fantastic playing Jesse RIP Ben
— Nathan Watkins (@NathWatkins22) August 20, 2019
RIP Ben Unwin. Your posters used to cover my school books and I drew hearts all around your face ❤️#benunwin #90sheartthrob #homeandaway #ripbenunwin
— Helen (@Ollie_1214) August 20, 2019
