Darius Campbell Danesh, a former Pop Idol candidate and stage performer, was discovered dead in his US apartment room at the age of 41. Tributes have flooded in.
The musician and actor was discovered dead on August 11 in Rochester, Minnesota, according to a statement from his family released today.
Danesh’s eccentric performance of Britney Spears’ hit song Baby One More Time on the ITV competition series Popstars in 2001 was his first attempt at stardom.
Although he was rejected by the band, the next year he participated in the first Will Young-hosted Pop Idol.
The Scottish actor went on to carve out a prosperous career in theatre, playing in Guys and Dolls, Gone With the Wind, and other West End productions in addition to two performances as Billy Flynn in Chicago.
On social media, word of Darius’s passing spread, and both fans and colleagues in the entertainment sector expressed their astonishment and loss.
Rylan Clark, a TV host and former X-Factor finalist, said on Facebook, “Proper sorry about Darius,” and Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, “This is very terrible.” Considering Darius’ friends and family.
Sanjeev Bhaskar, an actor, also shared the sad news of Darius’ terribly premature departure.
He appeared as a guest on The Kumars and couldn’t have been a better, friendlier, and more self-deprecating guest.
Jessica Taylor, a member of the Popstars-born band Liberty X, tweeted: “I’m really heartbroken.” Only 41, Darius.
He was a true gentleman, and I know that everyone who worked on Popstars with him will have nothing but positive memories of him.
“He had such a natural warmth about him and a way of uniting us all.” Peace be with you, wonderful guy.
The late Darius Campbell Danesh was remembered as a “genuine gent” by TV and radio host Nicki Chapman.
There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh, tweeted Chapman, 55, a judge on Popstars in 2001 when Campbell Danesh was a competitor.
A real gentleman with a kind heart and a twinkle of mischief in his eye. From that memorable first Popstars audition to his kind invitation to see him on the West End stage.
During this difficult moment, thoughts are with his family.
Later, Chapman served as a judge on the television programme Pop Idol, which also featured Campbell Danesh.
Michelle Heaton, an English vocalist and member of the musical group Liberty X, paid homage to Darius Campbell Danesh after learning of his passing at the age of 41.
‘So sad… thoughts with Darius family right now x always our Britney,’ the 43-year-old wrote, adding a red heart and a rainbow emoji at the end of the message.
On the singing competition programme Popstars, in which Campbell Danesh also featured, Heaton rose to stardom.
It is with profound regret that we announce the demise of Darius Campbell Danesh, according to the family statement for Darius.
‘Darius was discovered unconscious in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11.
The local medical examiners’ office ruled him dead later that day.
According to the local police department, there were no indications of malice or strange circumstances.
His unexpected death has no known reason at this time, however investigations into his health are ongoing.
“Please accept our need for privacy at this time as we process the devastating death of our son and brother,” the message reads.
Danesh rejected Simon Cowell’s offer of a record contract after winning Pop Idol in 2002 and instead signed with producer Steve Lillywhite, whose clients include U2 and the Rolling Stones.
The video and cover art for Darius’s number one hit song Colourblind, which peaked at number 13 in the Irish Singles Chart and spent two weeks at the top of the UK charts, have been widely shared by fans.
The Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, who starred in the sci-fi blockbuster Species, and he fell in love when he was living in the US.
The pair wed at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, in 2011, but they subsequently got divorced.
Darius Danesh achieved recognition under that name, but he subsequently decided to adopt his mother Avril Campbell’s maiden name after an emotional visit to his grandpa at a Paisley nursing home caused him to consider his Scottish ancestry.
Following the family’s announcement, a fan tweeted: “Hearing the news that Darius has passed away, all I can think of is what a great song Colourblind is.” So sad.’
One more remarked: “Colourblind is one of the greatest pop tunes of all time.” Darius, RIP,” while another added: “Iconic.” Colourblind is still a song today! RIP.’
One person quoted Colourblind, writing: “Feelin’ blue, while I’m trying to ignore the sense that I miss you.” Darius, RIP.
One admirer said about Darius’ performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London in 2013 while reflecting on his career: “I’m astonished and extremely sorry to learn of the passing of Darius Campbell.
When he portrayed the Warden in From Here to Eternity, he was a nice guy and an absolute professional.
Talented, committed, and enthusiastic about the job. Hear my sincere condolences to his family. Fly, my buddy. RIP.’
Someone another remarked: “Darius passes away at 41. Not even an age. One of the first real-life celebrity legends.
Darius was a big figure for the early 2000s wave of reality TV and the “characters” who came out of it, according to one admirer. Although Colourblind was such a hit, Pop Idol fans will never forget the Hit Me Baby One More Time video.
“He always struck me as very brilliant and suave.” Simply said, this is too depressing.
Another person commented in a manner similar to this: “Darius Danesh gave one of THE most memorable pop culture moments of the early 2000s. How tragic that he lost away so young.
Someone thought about his music and remarked, “Oh no! What terrible news. I once adored Darius.
He performed Hit Me Baby One More Time in an iconic way, and Colorblind was a total banger.
Some people posted videos of the singer’s “iconic” Pop Idol audition, during which he sported a black turtleneck top, a goatee, and slicked-back hair.
Danesh was a Canadian actor who resided in the US and was involved with sci-fi smash Species actress Natasha Henstridge.
At the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, the pair was hitched in 2011, but they later split.
Actress Carrie Hope Fletcher tweeted today in response to the news of his passing, “This is very terrible news,” along with an image of a broken heart.