Musical theatre star Michael Falzon dies at 48 following cancer battle
By Natacha Maloon|
Australian musical theatre star Michael Falzon has died at 48 following a battle with cancer.
The We Will Rock You musical star died on June 23 from a rare form of germ cell cancer that he was diagnosed with last year.
Falzon's publicist Ian Phipps announced the sad news on Twitter last night.
"Vale Michael Falzon," he wrote on June 23. "You fought valiantly until the last, my friend. Your beaming smile, huge talent and incredible positivity will be missed by so many friends, family and fans. We are better for having known you. Love to Jane and your family."
Falzon was a prolific performer that had starring roles in productions like Rock of Ages, War of the Worlds, Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and We Will Rock You.
He was scouted by Ben Elton and Queen to take on the leading role in the original We Will Rock You production.
Australian singer and Nine presenter David Campbell paid tribute to Falzon, referring to him as a "vital member of this industry".
Campbell opened up about Falzon's death on-air during Today Extra this morning.
"It came on quickly. Michael was healthy. He was newly married to his fabulous wife," he said. "Any time an actor was out of work they just had to call Falzon and he would get him work. It was an incredible one-man industry he provided. He has gone too soon and too fast."
Falzon's musical theatre colleagues paid tribute to the late performer online.
Musical theatre performer Jenna-Lee James shared a picture with Falzon that was taken last year.
"You were a one-off. Not only an incredible performer and businessman but you were also a beautiful soul," she captioned the photo on Instagram.
"You fought so hard and I'm so glad I got to hug you on my travels last year in Sydney. Sending so much love to Jane and all the Falzon family tonight. There is another star in the sky tonight," she captioned the snap.
Falzon discussed his shock diagnosis during an appearance on Studio 10 in October last year.
"It was a surprise. I was in rehearsals for Sweeney Todd, I'd just finished Evita, everything was going well, and then you get struck down," he said.
Falzon is survived by his wife, musician Jane Cho.
