Latest news with #JulianBenson
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Julian Benson's funeral told ‘he's up there telling Pope Francis to go for it'
A sparkly cap was placed at the front of the coffin of the late dancer, choreographer and Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson as his gift for genuine friendship and the 'colour, love, joy and hope' he brought to so many people was recalled at his requiem Mass yesterday. The TV personality and Cystic Fibrosis campaigner died at the age of 54 at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin on April 18. Chief celebrant and family friend, Fr Ivan Tonge, joked to mourners at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook that only Julian, right, would manage to upstage Pope Francis on the day that the late pontiff was also being laid to rest. A photo of Julian Benson is brought into the church for his funeral. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Another friend, Sarah Lawless, also referred to Pope Francis, saying that Mr Benson was probably in heaven telling the pontiff to 'go for it' and finally wear a pair of red shoes. His younger brother Adrian said that 'behind the sparkle, glitz and glamour', Mr Benson was also 'a loyal and loving son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague'. 'Through his TV appearances as a judge on Dancing With The Stars, he spread joy, fun, positivity and happiness, which could be seen from the hundreds of messages of condolence from all over the country.' Adrian also described his big brother as a 'Cystic Fibrosis warrior'. 'He achieved so much in the face of adversity and kept going for so many years whilst battling CF. He wouldn't surrender to it or let it hold him back.' Julian Benson's coffin being brought into the church, Pic: Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook. Fr Tonge said of the dancer: 'It is wonderful to have someone bring colour into our lives. Love, hope and joy: they were the three elements of his life.' President Michael D Higgins was represented at the Mass by aide de camp Captain Chloe McMahon. Mr Benson's friends escorted his coffin from the church as the song 'I Could Have Danced All Night' played. He will rest alongside his late mother, Maura, in Glasnevin Cemetery, and is survived by Adrian, his sister-in-law Rachel, nieces Leah and Ailbhe, and nephew Cian, as well as his cousins and a wide circle of friends. The coffin is brought into the church for the funeral of Julian Benson. Pic: Leah Farrell/© Pic: Leah Farrell/© Pic: Leah Farrell/© A photo of Julian Benson is brought into the church for his funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/ Dancing with the Stars Ireland judge Brian Redmond at the funeral of former judge Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© Dermot Bannon attends Julian Benson's funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/© Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne attend the funeral of Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© Julian Benson's coffin being brought into the church, Pic: Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook. The funeral of Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/©
Irish Independent
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
'Go for it Francis, wear the red shoes!' – Julian Benson's funeral hears how he will be giving fashion advice in heaven
Laid to rest on the same day as Pope Francis, the funeral mass of former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson heard that he would now likely be giving fashion advice to the late Pontiff beyond the pearly gates.
Extra.ie
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Irish stars pay tribute as Julian Benson laid to rest
Faces of the Irish entertainment industry were out in force today as the late Julian Benson was laid to rest. The former Dancing With The Stars judge, who was known as Captain Sparkle during his time on the show, passed away from complications due to cystic fibrosis, which he was diagnosed with at the age of two. Rather than let the diagnosis define him, Julian spent his time embracing life, taking up dancing at age four, becoming a pro at age 14, and his career spanned 40 years before he revealed that he was living with the diagnosis in 2018 on the Late Late Show. Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne attend the funeral of Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© He went on to start the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with its legacy being Tranquility House — a home that boasts four pods for families of those living with Cystic Fibrosis. His family announced his passing via a statement that revealed he passed away surrounded by his family 'following a courageous battle' with Cystic Fibrosis. They added: 'The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the care teams who helped Julian live a full and extraordinary life, in particular: the incredible Cystic Fibrosis team at St Vincent's University Hospital, whose expertise and compassion supported Julian throughout his life; the transplant team at Beaumont Hospital, whose care gave Julian renewed energy and allowed him to see his dream realised and the ICU team at St Vincent's, who cared for Julian with tenderness and kindness during his final days.' Eoghan McDermott is greeted by another mourner at the church ahead of Julian Benson's funeral Pic: Church of the Sacred Heart Donnybrook Among the mourners who gathered at Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook was former 2FM DJ Eoghan McDermott, who paid tribute to the dancer after his passing. He was one of those asked to deliver a prayer of the faithful, and mentioned how people had thought to wear their sparkly and most colourful outfits in a whatsapp group and while 'most have chickened out' he shared that Julian would be delighted to see those who braved it. Dancing with the Stars Ireland judge Brian Redmond at the funeral of former judge Julian Benson Pic: Leah Farrell/© Also in attendance were DWTS judges Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian (who took over from Julian on the judging panel), Westlife star Nicky Byrne, RTÉ's Dermot Bannon, and model Sarah McGovern. As President Michael D Higgins is in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, his Aide-De-Camp Captain McMahon also attended. During the funeral, two of Julian's friends, Derek and Sarah, gave touching eulogies as did his brother Adrian, who choked back tears paying tribute to his big brother. Julian Benson and the team at the unveiling of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tranquility House in Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy Adrian said: 'On a final note, above all else, for me, Julian was simply my brother. We grew up together, we played together, shared our fears, protected one another, we fought each other, made amends, but ultimately, loved one another. 'I was very lucky to have him as a brother for as long as I did, and I was very proud of him. Rachel and I, Leah Cian and Ailbhe will miss him dearly. Say hi to mom for me, Julian. Give her a big, big hug and a kiss from both of us.' Derek shared that he would have preferred to be in the pews with everyone with his own thoughts, saying: 'To be honest, as you can probably tell, I feel reluctant standing up here today. Part of me would just like to sit where you are quietly with my thoughts. Dermot Bannon attends Julian Benson's funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/© 'But Julian had a way of making you really believe that you could do anything you set your mind to. 'I can hear him now. 'Derek, ready. We're live in five. Pose, diction, smile, eye contact, we're live to the nation', and already I feel better. So today I'm standing here to honour our beautiful friendship Julian.' Sarah in turn shared a hilarious story about how the spotlight just followed Julian around even when he was trying to stay in the background, leaving her stranded at her own wedding. A photo of Julian Benson is brought into the church for his funeral Pic: Leah Farrell/ She explained: 'Julian didn't want to take any of the shine from Gearoid and I, so he declined to be the Bridesman or have any official role in the wedding party, he really wanted it to be our day to shine, particularly me. 'However, when he and [his mother] Maura arrived in Venice wearing cream linen and silk outfits looking like Valentino and his rich Contessa, our gondolier mistook them for the bride and groom and brought them to the reception, stranding the real bride and groom at the church. 'So even when Julian shunned the limelight, it just sought him out. He was just born to shine.'
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Julian Benson's pals Arthur Gourounlian and Nicky Byrne first to arrive in Donnybrook ahead of star studded funeral
RTE co-star Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne have arrived at the church ahead of Dancing With The Stars' Julian Benson's funeral mass. A funeral procession was held in 5 Dermot Bannon made an appearance Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 5 DWTS judge Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne at the funeral of Julian Benson Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 5 The funeral of Julian Benson Dancing with the Stars judge at Donnybrook, Dublin Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin Members of the public hit the streets of Dublin earlier today to remember the dancer as the funeral procession passed through the city. Julian's remains arrived at Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook ahead of a star-studded funeral mass at 11am. The Several well-known faces made appearances at the funeral to say their final goodbyes to Julian. READ MORE ON JULIAN BENSON DWTS judge Arthur Gourounlian and Westlife's Nicky Byrne both were tearfully seen arriving at the church. They were joined by heartbroken friends Dermot Bannon and Sarah McGovern. President Michael D Higgins Aide-De-Camp Captain McMahon also attended, as the President attended the Pope's funeral in Rome. His heartbroken loved ones said his "strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end". Most read in News TV A statement on behalf of his family said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson. "Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with "His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end. "A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. "Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favourite. "He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants." FOREVER MISSED' Speaking following his death, They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson. "Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance and talent to the world. "His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation - his legacy will live on forever. "Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed. "The world lost a bit of sparkle today." 'BEACON OF JOY' Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry said: 'Julian Benson was a beacon of joy and passion. 'Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age, he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life. 'His enthusiasm was truly contagious, inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and gratitude. 'Julian's spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest. 'LEGACY OF WARMTH' 'His legacy of warmth and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. I was so lucky to meet and spend time with him. There was never a dull moment only laughter. . . Rest in peace my beautiful friend.' Dancing With The Stars judge Karen Byrne said Julian was a "true gentleman". Paying tribute on Instagram, she said: "So sad to hear the news of Julian's passing. "He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in. "Captain Sparkle will be truly missed." 'COLOURFUL PERSON' Model Rosanna Davison also spoke of her devastation. She said: "Heartbroken to learn today of Julian Benson's passing. "He was such a brave, kind, encouraging, fun and colourful person and had a huge impact on those of us lucky enough to work with him and call him a friend. "I first met Julian way back in 2002, when he cast me in the UCD 2003 Fashion Show. "He was a talented choreographer and producer, an inspiring teacher and gave me and all involved such confidence on stage. "It's hard to even express the positive impact he had, the encouragement he gave us and the enthusiasm he showed. "He was so passionate about his "Julian will be sadly missed by so many of us. Sending all my love to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Julian." 5 Sarah MCGovern at the funeral of Julian Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 5 Julian died last weekend Credit: Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Sunday World
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Funeral details announced for TV star Julian Benson, who died aged 54
Mr Benson died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday at the age of 54, surrounded by his family and friends. The funeral details for TV star and former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson have been announced. Mr Benson died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday at the age of 54, surrounded by his family and friends. He will lie in repose at Fanagans Funeral Home on Dublin's Aungier Street on Friday, April 25 from 5pm to 7pm. A requiem mass will be held the following morning at 11am in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, with a funeral afterwards to be held at Glasnevin Cemetery. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age, Mr Benson's mother Maura was told he would not live into his teens. His death came after he had a kidney transplant last October. He revealed his diagnosis publicly for the first time in an appearance on the Late Late Show in 2018 and went on to found the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation helping to support people living with cystic fibrosis. Mr Benson and the organisation have been working on the development of Tranquility House on Grosvenor Road in Dublin, which will provide accommodation for families of people living with cystic fibrosis while they undergo treatment. A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Mr Benson became widely known in 2017 when he became a judge on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars. He became known as 'Captain Sparkle' in a nod to his custom-made, sparkly outfits. In a statement released on Saturday, Mr Benson's family said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson. "Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. "His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.' Mr Benson is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, nieces Leah and Ailbhe, nephew Cian, cousins, relatives, close friends and their families, and his wider circle of friends.
