Hollywood Actor and Former Newcastle Star Passes Away at 55
Former actor Jason Hoganson has died unexpectedly at the age of 55, funeral directors confirmed. R W Barrett & Son Funeral Services said his funeral will take place on April 28 at West Road Crematorium in Newcastle.
Career and public profile
Hoganson earned recognition for his role in the 1987 film Empire State. He played Pete, a Geordie drifter, in that production. Once described as a Hollywood Actor, he later struggled with addiction and crime.
Prison release and offences
Hoganson was released early from HMP Durham on September 10, 2024. Authorities freed hundreds that day to ease prison overcrowding.
Sources reported he was among roughly 1,500 inmates released on that date. Officials later said 37 prisoners, including Hoganson, had been freed in error.
Events after release
He had been serving an 18-month term. He had completed half of that sentence when released.
The day after his release, on September 11, Hoganson was arrested in Newcastle’s West End. Police said he slapped his former partner, Rachel Usher, at her flat.
Court case and convictions
Hoganson was photographed leaving prison after the early release. He had also sent Ms Usher a letter from custody a week earlier.
He was found guilty of assaulting Ms Usher. He was also convicted of two counts of breaching a restraining order by visiting her home and by sending the letter.
Background and previous offences
He had past convictions, including burglary. In a 2012 interview he admitted trouble followed from mixing with the wrong crowd.
Aftermath and final arrangements
Ms Usher died after Hoganson was returned to custody, though his trial continued. The news that the former Newcastle star passes away at 55 has been confirmed by local funeral directors.
Filmogaz.com will monitor any further developments. His funeral is scheduled for April 28 at West Road Crematorium.
- Name: Jason Hoganson
- Age at death: 55
- Film role: Empire State (1987), character Pete
- Prison: HMP Durham
- Early release date: September 10, 2024
- Arrest date after release: September 11, 2024
- Sentence length: 18 months (served half)
- Convictions: assault and two counts of breaching a restraining order
- Funeral: April 28, West Road Crematorium, Newcastle
