Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson has died at the age of 54.
The TV star, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from an early age, died surrounded by family and friends earlier today.
It brings to an end an extraordinary life in which the RTร star defied the odds doctors gave him as a child. At the time, his mother was told he was not expected to live into his teens.
His death follows his kidney transplant last October. Speaking at the time, he said he had only had 90 minutes’ notice before the surgery.
Announcing his death this afternoon, his family said, “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 RTร’s Dancing with the Stars. Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favorite.”
Producer Larry Bass and chief executive of TV company ShinAwil said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson. Our very own Captain Sparkle, who brought so much joy, brilliance, and talent to the world. 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.”
A spokesperson for RTร’s Dancing With The Stars said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson. Our very own Captain Sparkle, who brought so much joy, brilliance, & talent to the world. One of a kind, he will be forever missed.”
The talent agent turned entrepreneur worked tirelessly to raise awareness around cystic fibrosis and recently opened a purpose-built house in Dublin to accommodate the families of CF patients, which he called his “gold medal” moment. He documented this journey for a special episode of RTร’s Room to Improve alongside Dermot Bannon.
After his transplant, he said his body responded so well that he felt “like a million dollars.” “You don’t realize how ill you feel until you’re given a new lease of life,” he added. “With dialysis and all that, you’re full of toxins, and your body is under stress. My body feels like it’s 21 again; it’s amazing.”
Six weeks after the transplant, on December 7, he presented his sold-out annual event, the Winter Wonderland gala ball. The funds raised went towards a project close to his heart, Tranquility House.
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