The actor dies 'due to COVID-19 complications'...
Actor Jay Benedict, better known to soap fans as Emmerdale businessman Doug Hamilton, tragically died on 4th April after contracting coronavirus.
A statement on his website has announced: “It is with profound sorrow that we must announce Jay’s death on the 4th April due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection.”
Jay also starred opposite Abi Titmuss in Two-Way Mirror (Picture: Getty)
American-born Jay starred in Emmerdale back in 1997, and is well known for his role as John Kieffer, the US Army Officer in Foyle’s War.
His more recent projects have included Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife.
He also starred opposite Abi Titmuss in the stage adaptation of Two-Way Mirror.
He also appeared in James Cameron’s 1986 sci-fi classic Aliens as Russ Jordan, and also starred in movie The Dark Knight Rises.
Tributes have been pouring in for the actor from both fans of his work and also former colleagues who had the pleasure of working with Jay over the years…
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Jay Benedict. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Ryan Gage (@RyanGage) April 5, 2020
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 pic.twitter.com/YJ7nn25ftv
— Vicki Michelle (@vickimichelle) April 5, 2020
Devastated to hear that Jay Benedict has died from the virus. Doesn't feel real. I worked with Jay for several years, right up until Feb. No ADR studio will ever feel the same. Keeping Phoebe and the whole SyncOrSwim family in my thoughts. May we celebrate his life together soon.
— Jassa Ahluwalia (@OfficialJassa) April 5, 2020
Terribly saddened by the news of #JayBenedict passing away. He was a passionate, kind and encouraging man, and it was always a pleasure working with him. My thoughts go out to Phoebe and the rest of the #syncorswim team. Rest in peace, Jay.
— Dino Kelly (@Dino_Kelly) April 5, 2020
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
— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) April 5, 2020
As well as acting, Jay also ran the Sync or Swim video production company with his wife Phoebe Scholfield.
As well as leaving behind his wife Phoebe, Jay also had two sons, Leopold and Freddie, as well as a daughter from a previous relationship.
In a tribute to the actor, his website reveals: “Jay was born in California, but his family left the United States for Europe when he was a child.
“As a legacy of his itinerant he was English/French bilingual, and no slouch in Spanish and German, either.
“People who met him in real life were surprised that he sounded more English than American.
“This didn’t, however, prevent most casting agents from insisting that he play Americans, which he did happily and not entirely surprisingly, like a native.”
Emmerdale’s scheduling pattern has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and now airs three episodes a week on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at 7pm on ITV.
