Nanny McPhee star Raphael Coleman dies aged 25

11 February 2020, 17:59

Former child star and climate change activist Raphael Coleman has died at the age of 25.

The Nanny McPhee star died on Friday, according to mother Liz Jensen. His stepfather wrote on Facebook that he collapsed while jogging.

He was known as James Iggy Fox after joining Extinction Rebellion, for whom he worked as a video recorder and on its social media channels.

His mother wrote on Twitter: "Rest in peace my beloved son 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."

Mr Coleman starred in Nanny McPhee aged 11 alongside Emma Thompson and Colin Firth in the 2005 family film. He also had subsequent roles in films such as The Fourth Kind and It's Alive.

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

He went on to study wildlife conservation before joining Extinction Rebellion.

Mr Coleman was arrested at a protest outside the Brazillian embassy last August.

He wrote: "My actions aren’t about sacrifice, or arrest for the sake of it. Knowing the science, I have no choice but to tell the truth, and stick to my morals in the face of that truth. I won’t stand by and watch the world burn.

“I’m rebelling in love for this world and the wild. In compassion for the indigenous, local and First Nations peoples who are persecuted protecting the ecosystems we all need to survive. In rage for the environmental defenders murdered every week – my siblings in the fight for life.”

Eliza Bennett, who also starred in Nanny McPhee, paid tribute to him, writing: "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."