Coronavirus: Aliens and Emmerdale actor Jay Benedict dies 'due to COVID-19 complications'
During a career spanning more than 40 years, Jay Benedict also appeared in shows including The Bill, Casualty and Foyle's War.
Monday 6 April 2020 12:20, UK
Actor Jay Benedict, who appeared in a range of films and TV shows, from Aliens to Emmerdale, has died due to complications from coronavirus.
The actor, who also appeared in Batman film The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale and Tom Hardy, died on Saturday, aged 68.
A statement posted on his website said: "It is with profound sorrow that we must announce Jay's death on the 4th of April due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection."
Benedict played Newt's father in Alien sequel Aliens alongside Sigourney Weaver in 1986, and starred in Emmerdale in 1997, playing businessman Doug Hamilton.
During a career in entertainment spanning more than 40 years, he also appeared in UK TV favourites including The Bill, Jonathan Creek, Casualty and Foyle's War.
On stage, he starred in The Trial Of Jane Fonda, and Two-Way Mirror, alongside Abi Titmuss.
Born in California, Benedict's family left the US for Europe when he was a child.
As well as his acting career, he also lent his voice to video games and TV adverts - plus lifts, theatre foyers and other public spaces. "The irritatingly soothing voice requesting that you take your seat and switch off your mobile phone is quite probably him," his website says.
He also worked behind the camera, running post-production company Sync Or Swim, with recent projects including Downton Abbey, Dickensian and Call The Midwife.
Benedict is one of several famous faces who have died after contracting coronavirus.
British comedian Eddie Large, Fountains Of Wayne frontman Adam Schlesinger, US country star Joe Diffie and I Love Rock 'n' Roll songwriter Alan Merrill all died last week.
Other stars, including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, have recovered after testing positive for the disease.