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"Nanny McPhee" actor dies 0:47
(CNN) - “Nanny McPhee” star and climate change activist Raphael Coleman died at the age of 25.
The mother of the British actor, Liz Jensen, confirmed his death in a tweet published on Friday, February 7.
"Rest in peace my dear son Raphael Coleman, also known as Iggy Fox," he wrote. “He died doing what he loved, working for the noblest cause of all. His family could not be more proud. Let's celebrate everything he achieved in his short life and value his legacy. ”
Rest in peace my beloved are Raphael Coleman, aka Iggy Fox. He died doing what he loved, working for the noblest cause of all. His family could not be prouder. Let's celebrate all he achieved in his short life and cherish his legacy https://t.co/qFRKPT7rRG
- Liz Jensen (@LizJensenWriter) February 7, 2020
His stepfather, Carsten Jensen, said on Facebook that Coleman "collapsed without previous health problems" during a trip.
“Raph was not my son, but he was close to him. But I can feel it myself. I see it in his mother's eyes, and I hear it in his voice, the irreversible loss of the most precious of life, ”Jensen wrote in the publication.
Coleman was born in London and appeared in several films as a child, including "The Fourth Kind" and "It's Alive."
He was best known for playing 11-year-old Eric Brown in the 2005 British comedy "Nanny McPhee," alongside Emma Thompson, Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury.
His former co-star, Eliza Bennett, said she was "disconsolate" by the news.
"After working at Nanny McPhee, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and combating climate change," he wrote.
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 honored 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
Coleman earned a degree in zoology and began traveling the world, according to his website, "working with wildlife and exploring wilderness areas" and trying to earn money through photojournalism and film.
He became a member of the Extinction Rebellion climate activism group, according to his stepfather. "Under the name of Iggy Fox, he controlled the use of the group's social networks, spoke at demonstrations and was arrested again and again," Jensen wrote.
- READ: A psychedelic journey, a radical strategy and a perfect synchronization: this is the fastest growing climate movement in the world
His mother called him a "brave spirit of #ExtinctionRebellion" who "loved life so much."
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 center, run by Bolivian NGO Community @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 10:10 am PST
Extinction Rebellion posted a tribute to Coleman on his website. "You were a true warrior, who worked tirelessly on behalf of others, on behalf of a lifetime," the statement said. “You had the fire of youth and a wisdom that belied your age. The world has lost one of its fiercest and dedicated defenders. ”
Another activist organization, Occupy London, tweeted that it was a "tragic loss" of a "dedicated protector of animals" and "a deep inspiration to all who knew him."
His mother thanked everyone on Twitter for the "beautiful tributes to our dear Raphael."
She said Extinction Rebellion would be "celebrating her remarkable life as a biologist and wildlife activist" Thursday night at the Brazilian embassy in London.
Coleman was arrested outside the embassy in August during a protest over deforestation in the Amazon.
climate changeCineExtinction Rebellion
