Home and Away star Ben Unwin dead at 41

A former castmate of recently deceased actor Ben Unwin has said she will “forever regret not reaching out more” to the troubled star.

Tributes are flowing in for former Home and Away star Ben Unwin, who has tragically died aged 41.

Kristy Wright, who played Chloe Richards on the soap, posted a moving message to Unwin on her Instagram account in which she expressed her regret for not having reached out to him in a few years.

“In 1992 I met you for the first time and immediately fell into a crazy schoolgirl crush,” a heartbroken Wright wrote.

“We were kids with the same dream and pretty quickly we became friends. My crush disappeared but my love for you was just beginning.

Kristy Wright played Chloe Richards on Home and Away.

“Years later we both found ourselves working on that little show @homeandaway and our friendship grew deeper. You harassed the writers to create a love story between our characters and when it finally happened we laughed our way through it and were just so happy to have the chance to work so closely with each other.”

“We haven’t spoken in a few years and I can not express in this moment how sorry I am for that,” the actress wrote. “I miss you now that I know I will never see you again.

“I will forever regret not reaching out more … I’m so sorry. I love you. RIP my old friend.”

Nic Testoni, Ben Unwin, Belinda Emmett and Kristy Wright in 1997.

Long-running cast members Lynne McGranger and Ada Nicodemou were 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.”

Actor Ben Unwin in a still from Home and Away.

Ada Nicodemou with Ben Unwin in scene from Home and Away.

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’s 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,” 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.

Antoinette Byron, David Woodley, Ben Unwin and Kimberley Cooper in Home and Away in 1999.

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.”

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.

Unwin later turned his back on show business and completed a law degree. According to a 2016 article in Woman’s Day, Unwin was working as a senior solicitor in Newcastle.

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

RIP BEN UNWIN 😭

— lauren (@_lalaphoto) 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

Sad to hear that Ben Unwin who played Jesse in #HomeandAway has died. Too young at 41. He was great in the role. A good TV memory. #RiP

— miss_vic81 (@miss_vic81) 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

How sad is the world 😭 thoughts go out to the family and friends of Ben Unwin

— Chloe (@_chloenicole98) August 20, 2019

Thoughts and Prayers go the family and friends of Ben Unwin whose passed away at such a young age. #JesseMcgregor RIP❤🙏 https://t.co/IANxx0S0Mu

— Julie Robinson🦊🐺 (@AirwolfHawke88) 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

If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636

Originally published as Home and Away star Ben Unwin dead at 41