Nanny McPhee actor Raphael Coleman dies

Nanny McPhee star and climate change activist Raphael Coleman has died at the age of 25.

His mum Liz Jensen confirmed his death in a statement on Twitter on Friday 7 February.

Raphael’s mum said “he died doing what he loved” and added she wants to “celebrate all he achieved in his short life and cherish his legacy”.

His stepdad, Carsten Jensen, said on Facebook the actor had collapsed and didn’t have any health problems.

Tributes have also been paid by his fellow stars from the film, including Eliza Bennett.

She wrote: “I was so heartbroken to hear about Raphael (now James Iggy).

I was so heartbroken to hear about Raphael (now James Iggy). After we worked on Nanny McPhee, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and fighting climate change. I’m honoured to have crossed paths him & my heart is with his family in this dark time. https://t.co/oHU0a1l3BE

— Eliza Bennett (@ElizaBennett) February 11, 2020

“After we worked on Nanny McPhee, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and fighting climate change.”

Raphael Coleman was best known for his role as Eric Brown in the 2005 film, starring alongside Emma Thompson and Colin Firth.

In his post on Facebook, his stepdad said he died “in the middle of a trip and could not be restored”.

He also talked about what his stepson, who originally wanted to be a scientist, was like as a child.

“Not to blow up something, as his figure in Nanny McPhee, but to save the planet.”

Carsten Jensen also talked about Raphael’s life as an activist for the climate change group Extinction Rebellion.

“Under the name Iggy Fox, he controlled the group’s social media, spoke at demonstrations.”

On Raphael’s website he described himself as “a twenty-something Zoology graduate travelling the world on a shoestring budget, working with wildlife and exploring wildernesses”.

His mum Liz thanked her Twitter followers for their messages of support.

She said: “Extinction Rebellion is celebrating his remarkable life as a wildlife biologist and activist on Thursday in London.”

View this post on Instagram

THIS IS NOT A HAPPY PICTURE – follow the link in my bio to see the full video story for @thewildwork. I'm proud of the animal rehabilitation work I do. But the reality is that this picture is only possible because of the trauma and abuse this animal suffered in the illegal wildlife trade. . Meet Biton. He's a rescued alpha male red howler monkey. He lives and is cared for in semi-captivity at Ambue Ari wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation centre, run by Bolivian NGO Comunidad @Inti_Wara_Yassi. Although Biton does this of his own accord with bonded keepers, it's only achievable safely with extensive training, study and experience. Do NOT buy into animal attractions, wildlife ownership and tourist 'animal selfie' culture. This is exactly what put Biton here in the first place. . An ideal world is one where this kind of picture is never taken, because wildlife rehab isn't necessary. A world where monkeys, Jaguars, rhinos, elephants, pangolins, and all the rest are safe, free from exploitation and abuse. . The way we reach that world is by: – getting educated about the illegal wildlife trade and telling people about it – finding out where the stuff you buy comes from: is the source legal? Ethical? Sustainable? Fair? – REFUSING to buy wild animals and plants. . No pets, no parts, no gifts – leave them in nature, where they belong. . Have you ever seen evidence of suspected animal trafficking or abuse? Tell us about it below ⬇️ . #wildlifecrime #animalselfie

A post shared by Iggy Fox, XRebel Zoologist (@wilderlost.fox) on Jan 21, 2020 at 10:10am PST

The social justice group Occupy London also paid tribute to him.

Raphael won an award in 2010 for his acting.

He was given the best young actor award by the British Independent Film Festival for a performance in the short film Edward’s Turmoil.

He also won an award at the Brussels Short Film Festival in 2010.