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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Inside Darius Campbell Danesh's Hollywood lifestyle from A-list pals to producing films

Darius Campbell Danesh was undoubtedly British TV royalty, but the multi-talented star was also a known name in Hollywood.

Over the years the Pop Idol icon, 41, rubbed shoulders with big names from the movie industry thanks to building a new life for himself over in America - with his last public sighting involving A-list actor Gerard Butler.

The Scottish singer was found dead in his apartment in Minnesota on August 11, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday evening [August 17]. His cause of death remains unknown.

In one of the final snaps of the late star - taken just weeks before he died - Darius could be seen enjoying a walk barefoot with the P.S I Love You actor near Gerard's Malibu home.

Darius Campbell Danesh enjoyed a stroll with fellow Scot Gerard Butler just weeks before his death (Maciel-Ngre / BACKGRID)
The pair looked relaxed and happy as they made their way along the Malibu shores together (Maciel-Ngre / BACKGRID)

Wearing a flat cap and rolled up khaki trousers in the photo, which was taken on June 11, Darius walked a dog as he carried a pair of boots as 300 star Gerard walked alongside him with a pair of trainers slung over his shoulder.

Following his rise to fame in the U.K in the early 00s - appearing on both Popstars and Pop Idol before going on to wow on the West End - Darius eventually headed over to America where he found love, critical success and a number of showbiz pals.

Before moving overseas, Darius was no stranger to already starring alongside some of America's biggest TV stars, thanks to his stint as Billy Flynn in the 2011 West End production of Chicago.

The late star enjoyed a stroll in Italy with Rebel in 2019 (Cucu / BACKGRID)
It's believed the pair struck up a friendship thanks to Darius' work as a producer (Cucu / BACKGRID)

America Ferrera, best known for her Emmy-winning work in the title role of Ugly Betty, appeared alongside the late British star as Roxie Hart - with the pair often beaming for the cameras together as they promoted the show's third run in London.

During his time in the States, the Colourblind singer went on to dabble in movies- working as a co-executive producer on the horror film Imperium starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2016.

Darius and the Ugly Betty actress posing outside Garrick Theatre in 2011 (PA)
The late star and his former wife at the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party in 2012 (Getty Images for EJAF)

Speaking at the launch of the gritty film at London's Soho House, Darius described the process of working on the movie as "challenging" but revealed he was "over the moon" with the end result.

"Daniel has given an amazing performance and the story is one I think needs to be told right now, given everybody that's happening in the world," he said of the Harry Potter star lead at the film's British premiere in 2016.

"This is a true story of under cover FBI operative Mike German, who blew the lid on, and stopped what was going to be the biggest hit on American soil since 9/11- a dirty bomb designed to kill thousands and start a race war. I hope people enjoy it and are moved by it."

Darius worked in the movie industry during the later stages of his career (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The late star won praise for his role as co-producer on the 2016 gritty film (WENN.com)

Darius' stint as a producer won praise from his peers who tipped him for success, with Bond star Naomie Harris saying at the time: "Huge congratulations to Darius for producing Imperium. A fantastic movie."

He also went on to produce a documentary called Fountain of Youth and was executive producer on the horror movie House Red in 2018.

According to IMBD, Darius was working as a producer on documentary called American Dreamland at the time of his tragic death - a thought provoking documentary about creating a small intentional community amid the chaos of present day America.

The late star alongside his Chicago co-stars Faye Wright and America Ferrera (Getty Images)

The popstar's work as a producer is also believed to responsible for him striking up a friendship with another Hollywood A-lister, Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson.

In 2019, Darius and the Australian actress were snapped looking relaxed and happy as they enjoyed a low-key, friendly stroll together in Portofino, Italy.

Dressed in a classic black dress, the Senior Year actress beamed as she was snapped walking arm-in-arm on an Italian street alongside the singer-turned producer just three years ago.

Darius also seemingly enjoyed a friendship with boxer David Haye (WireImage)
The late star with his then-wife at the 2007 Maxim Awards in California (Getty Images)

Darius cut a casual figure in a white shirt, classic blue jeans and a black jacket, as he also smiled as he and Rebel were joined by a pal during their Italian stroll.

Alongside friendships and film success, Darius also found love during his time in America - marrying Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge, whose films include sci-fi hit Species, in 2011.

The former couple tied the knot at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but were divorced a few years later, yet seemingly remained on friendly terms after their split.

During their relationship and marriage, the Glasgow-born singer became a doting step-father to her two young sons, after he relocated to America to build a life for himself alongside his then-wife.

The former couple were often spotted together at showbiz events - even bagging an invite to Elton John's exclusive Annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party in 2012.

Despite it looking perfect on the outside, their relationship was a turbulent one according to Darius, who said they were on and off throughout their courtship.

In the wake of Darius' death becoming public news on Tuesday, Natasha showed her on-going love for the star as she shared a string of sweet photos of the pair. She captioned her post: "I have found the paradox that is you love until it hurts. there can be no more hurt- Only more love -Mother Theresa.

"There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam."

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