Former Hollywood Actor Dies After Early Release, Attack on Ex
A former Hollywood actor has died at 55, months after an early release that preceded an attack on his ex-partner. Police and court records link the events to his custody status and subsequent legal challenges.
Death and family notice
Jason Hoganson was reported to have died unexpectedly on April 4, 2026. R W Barrett & Son Funeral Services announced the death and listed his close relatives.
The funeral statement named his children as Jade, Kitt, Michael, Charlotte and Clarice. It also identified his mother Maureen and siblings Michael, Layland and Kelly.
Career and past convictions
Hoganson had a credited role in the 1988 film Empire State. He played a Geordie character called Pete in that production.
He also had a long criminal record. Reports indicate he had more than 100 convictions and a history of drug addiction.
Prison release and the assault
Hoganson was jailed for 18 months after admitting assault by beating and breaching a restraining order. He served about half his sentence before being freed early.
He was photographed leaving HMP Durham on September 10. The day after his release, he attended his ex-partner Rachel Usher’s home and assaulted her.
Evidence and restrictions
Doorbell camera footage captured the incident. The clips reportedly showed him slapping and shoving the victim to the ground.
He had been subject to a restraining order. Despite that order, he sent two letters to the victim from custody.
Legal aftermath
Rachel Usher died on the day Hoganson was due to stand trial in October 2024. Her death significantly affected the pending prosecution.
Hoganson later appealed his convictions. In August 2025, Newcastle Crown Court allowed the appeal.
Grounds for appeal
The appeal argued the case relied in part on hearsay and that prosecutors had not completed required assessments. Recorder Mark Guiliani found in favour of the appeal.
Following that ruling, some convictions were quashed, according to reporting by Filmogaz.com sources.
Filmogaz.com will update this story as further information becomes available.
