Aussie reality show icon and choreographer Julian Benson, has died aged 54 after a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis.
Benson, who was born in Adelaide to Irish parents before eventually returning to Dublin, made a name for himself as a judge on the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.
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His penchant for glittery outfits led him to be affectionately called Captain Sparkle by fans and fellow judges alike.
The late star had been diagnosed with the chronic lung condition – which is a disorder caused by a defective gene that caused abnormally thick and sticky mucus which eventually damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs – at age two, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams.
His family announced the news of his passing in a statement delivered on Saturday.
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”It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson. Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis.
“His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end. A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars.
“Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favourite. He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.”
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His family praised him for his courage during his health battle, sharing, ”Rather than let this challenge define him, Julian decided to embrace life fully.
“He began dancing at the age of four and embarked on a professional career at just 14 – an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone living with a chronic lung condition.
“His determination and passion became the driving force behind everything he did.”
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His Dancing with the Stars family has shared tributes for their beloved Captain Sparkle, beginning with the boss Larry Bass and production company ShinAwiL in a statement.
“His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation – his legacy will live on forever.
“Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed. The world lost a bit of sparkle today.”
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His fellow judge Loraine Barry also delivered a touching tribute, calling him a “beacon of joy and compassion.”
“Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age, he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life.
“His enthusiasm was truly contagious, inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and gratitude.
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“Julian’s spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest.”
Another fellow judge Karen Byrne added, “So sad to hear the news of Julian’s passing. He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in. Captain Sparkle will be truly missed.”
Benson had kept his diagnosis private for most of his life, only revealing it publicly in an interview on the Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018.
He went on to launch the Julian Benson CF Foundation, aiming to help those with Cystic Fibrosis.
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