Jake Abraham, known for “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, has passed away at 56.
The actor revealed his cancer diagnosis last July, admitting he’d “left it too late” to seek medical advice after feeling unwell. Always professional, Jake recently shone on stage in ‘The Scouse Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Royal Court.
Earlier this year, following a spell where he felt persistently under the weather, he sought advice from his GP.
Relaying his ordeal to the Liverpool ECHO, he remarked, “I was working but I wasn’t feeling well. I was pushing through those spells when you don’t feel yourself, you haven’t got the energy and there are aches and pains.
“The costume for the play was enormous, I knew I wasn’t well then but I’d not been well for so long.
“What made me go to the doctor and get a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test was that I passed blood in my urine.
“I got a test and ended up in the Royal. He said ‘you’ve got cancer, I’m so, so sorry’. He said that I’d had it for years, maybe four years.”
Sadly, the cancer progressed, leading to tumours on his spine, hips, and one removed from his bladder. Even though he underwent radiotherapy, he was ultimately left in palliative care.
“Doctors have told me it could be months, it could be years. It’s frightening.
The star vulnerably shared, “It’s scary, to be confronted with your own mortality is the most scary thing you’ll ever go through. To prepare for that and be cognitive mentally, but knowing that’s what’s coming, it’s tough.”
Jake’s poignant message was unequivocal: urging individuals to consult a physician immediately if they suspect any related symptoms. He poignantly stated, “You could save yourself 20 years of life.”
Tributes poured in over X, formerly Twitter, with an outpouring of affection for the much-adored actor. One dedicated fan exclaimed,”God bless Jake Abraham. My sparkly little Evertonian mate, the talented boy from Kensington. Always a proper laugh and smile in work and play. Goodnight kid.”
Another fan wrote, “Sad news tonight, hearing Liverpool actor Jake Abraham has passed away after his well documented battle with cancer. Everyone knows him from Lock Stock but there was so much more to Jake: from his @LivEveryPlay youth performances to powerful @Channel4 drama GBH. RIP.”
Another shared fond memories, noting, “So sad to hear of the passing of @jakeabraham1 one of L8’s super talented actors Jake Abraham has passed away. For many of us growing up his humorous and deadpan acting style had us belly laughing. Deepest sympathy to all family and friends.”