Australian singer and actor Jon English has died after suffering an aortic aneurysm following a small
operation, just days after a friend described him as ‘itching’ to get back on stage.
He was 66.
According to former manager of 20 years Peter Rix, English was
in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, suffering from broken ribs, but during
surgery doctors discovered another issue with his aortic valve.
The exact cause of death has been reported as an aortic aneurysm
– a swelling in the wall of the large blood vessel that carries
oxygen to the heart.
English, known for his breakthrough stage role in Jesus Christ
Superstar, was due to tour Australia from May starting in Perth,
but was forced to cancel several shows earlier in the week due to ‘unexpected ill health.’
An official Facebook post last week said, “Jon is currently hospitalised and waiting to undergo a small
operation, but is expected to make a full recovery over the coming weeks.”
“We are very hopeful of working with the venues to reschedule both shows as soon as practical for all concerned and thank
everyone for their understanding.”
The singer then cancelled yet another headline performance at the Beaumont St Carnivale event in
Newcastle.
English won the 1979 Logie Award for Best New Talent in Australia for his role in TV mini-series Against the Wind.
He also won four ARIA awards throughout his career – for his album Turn the Page, his musical Paris and a production of The Pirates of Penzance, in which he starred.
Emma needs to check her anatomy facts.