Julian Benson, dancer, choreographer, talent agent and former judge of RTÉ One TV series Dancing with the Stars has died in Dublin aged 54.
In a statement, 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 Cystic Fibrosis."
"His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end."
Mr Benson was celebrated for his creative talent, endless enthusiasm, colourful dress style and cheeky sense of humour.
Born in Adelaide, Australia to Irish parents, Mr Benson lived there until he was 10 years old, before the family returned to Ireland.
He had begun dancing classes there at the age of four, and it led to him having "a life-long passion for dance".
Mr Benson then attended secondary school at Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square in Dublin, and was a fluent Irish speaker.
He was a graduate of UCD, obtaining a degree in Psychology, English agus Gaeilge.
Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two, Mr Benson kept his diagnosis private for decades before confirming it publicly in an interview on the Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018.
Watch: Julian Benson discusses his CF diagnosis in 2018 interview
He then went on to launch the Julian Benson CF Foundation, an organisation fighting to help those with Cystic Fibrosis.
Mr Benson bravely faced many health battles over the years, and was on dialysis when he received a kidney transplant in October last year. He described it as "the best Christmas present".
In recent years, Mr Benson led the development of 'Tranquility House' on Grosvenor Road in Dublin 6, which he described as a "home away from home" for people with cystic fibrosis. "I wanted a home with a hug", he said in 2023.
The building project was supported by 150 Irish companies, and offers accommodation to families travelling to Dublin for cystic fibrosis treatment.
RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of death of Julian Benson.
"Many people in Ireland will remember Julian as he burst onto our screens as a judge on Dancing with the Stars in 2017 and most recently joined forces with the Room to Improve team as he was the driving force to provide a house for the families of people with Cystic Fibrosis.
"He brought a contagious passion for life and for improving the lives of other people to the project. Julian has been a stalwart for people with CF and will be greatly missed by so many. My deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace."
In a statement, Shinawil productions, producers of Dancing with the Stars, said, "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 so thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the @jbcffoundation - 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. May he rest in peace."
