Musical theatre star Michael Falzon loses cancer battle aged 48

Australian musical theatre star Michael Falzon has died following a cancer battle. He was 48 years old.

Falzon, best known for leading roles in productions of ‘Rock of Ages’, ‘War of the Worlds’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of germ cell cancer last year. He is survived by his wife, violinist Jane Cho.

Publicist Ian Phipps broke the news on social media overnight. He wrote on Twitter: “Vale Michael Falzon. 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 the better for having known you. Love to Jane and your family.”

Vale Michael Falzon. 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 the better for having known you. Love to Jane and your family. pic.twitter.com/SaTp0Qdr5Y

— Ian Phipps (@ippublicity) June 23, 2020

Fellow musical theatre star and friend David Campbell also took to social media on Wednesday morning to pay tribute, writing: “We lost the great @michaelfalzon last night. A vital member of this industry. He was a leading man and producer. He loved the arts and he loved what we do. He had a smile that could light up a stage and the first ten rows. Sending my love to his wife Jane and his family. DC.”

British musical theatre performer Jenna-Lee James wrote: “You were a one-off. Not only an incredible performer and businessman but you were also a beautiful soul.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CByooHTBD7n/?igshid=6qsg8w9ug543

In an interview with Studio 10 in October last year, Falzon opened about his shock diagnosis. “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.

“Because I am fit and healthy, it’s allowed me to have the most aggressive treatment for the type of cancer I had. It’s unfair for anybody … (but) it just happened. I’m not responsible for it.”