Jane Cho shares tribute to her musical theatre star husband Michael Falzon who lost cancer battle

Film director Jane Cho, wife of late musical theatre actor Michael Falzon, has issued a moving statement following his death from cancer at the age of 48. 

Michael, who had leading roles in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and We Will Rock You, passed away last Tuesday night after battling a rare and aggressive form of germ cell cancer last year.  

On Monday Jane issued a lengthy statement paying tribute to Michael and his bravery in his final days.   

She wrote: ‘Michael’s family and I would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone for their kind words, tributes and support. The monumental outpouring of love for Michael is testament to the incredible man he was.

‘I have always been very proud of Michael but I have been especially awed by his positivity and strength this past year. Even during his most trying days, Michael continued to put his loved ones first and his buoyancy provided comfort and calm to so many.

‘Michael’s contribution to the entertainment industry was enormous. He was breathtakingly talented and adored his work, and he was also passionate about creating pathways and opportunities for others. 

‘We have been deeply moved by the beautiful tributes that have flowed throughout the week. It’s a moving reminder of how respected and revered Michael was in the industry he loved and dedicated his life to and what a profound impact he has had.

‘Family, friends and fans alike knew Michael for his cheekiness, irreverence and abundant charm; the latter of which got him out of trouble too many times to count.

‘We will remember him for his beaming smile, which was shadowed only by his giant heart,’ she wrote. 

Jane went on to explain that Michael’s final wish was to shine a light on germ cell cancer and other lesser-known cancers.  

Germ cell tumours are growths that form on reproductive cells.  

Michael’s loved ones have set up a fund in memory of Michael to collect donations specifically to fund research, trials and resources in this area, and donations can be made via Mylifehouse.  

Jane also announced that a special service to commemorate Michael’s life will be held next week in Sydney and will be broadcast online.    

Following his death, tributes flowed overnight as friends, family and colleagues remembered Michael as a ‘vital member of this industry’.

British musical theatre actress Jenna Lee-James shared a photo of herself and Michael to Instagram, and wrote: ‘Words fail me. You were a one-off. Not only an incredible performer and businessman, but you were also a beautiful soul. 

‘You fought so hard and I’m so glad I got to hug you on my travels last year in Sydney.

‘Sending so much love to Jane and all the Falzon family tonight. There is another star in the sky tonight. Until we sing together again.’

Australian operatic mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Dark tweeted: ‘Travel well, dearest Michael. You brought joy and light to the world and will be missed beyond words. Deepest sympathy and all my love to Jane and his family.’

Ian Phipps, a leading theatre publicist, also posted on Twitter: ‘Vale Michael Falzon. You fought valiantly until the last, my friend. 

‘Your beaming smile, huge talent and incredible positivity will be missed by so many friends, family and fans. We are the better for having known you. Love to Jane and your family.’

Doctor Doctor star Rodger Corser wrote: ‘Incredibly sad. We have lost a very special man.’

Actor, singer and Today Extra host David Campbell tweeted on Wednesday: ‘We lost the great Michael Falzon last night. A vital member of this industry. 

‘He was a leading man and producer. He loved the arts and he loved what we do. He had a smile that could light up a stage and the first ten rows. Sending my love to his wife Jane and his family.’

Michael, who was a vegetarian and lived a healthy lifestyle, described his cancer diagnosis as ‘dumb luck’ during an interview with Studio 10 in October last year.

‘It was a surprise. I was in rehearsals for Sweeney Todd, I’d just finished Evita, everything was going well, and then you get struck down,’ he said.

The news came as a shock because he had no symptoms. Because of his otherwise good health, he was given the ‘most aggressive treatment’ available.

He revealed on Studio 10 that doctors were optimistic about his progress. 

‘They’re still chasing it,’ he said. ‘I feel good – I keep bouncing back, which they’re pleased with.’

That same month, he told The Sydney Morning Herald that his diagnosis had encouraged other men in his social circle to get themselves checked for cancer.

‘It’s confronting for everybody. You’re faced with your own questions of mortality. We’re all touched by this at various points in our lives, I’m not special in that regard; but within your circle, when it happens it’s a lot,’ he said.

Michael took some comfort in the fact his disease wasn’t caused by poor lifestyle choices, like when smokers develop lung cancer.

He said: ‘I don’t feel responsible, which is a good way to feel about it. If I was one of those unfortunate sufferers that maybe could have done something about it… this was just something that was in my genes and there was no way to pick it up before it happened.’ 

Michael, the third of six children born to a Maltese father and an Australian mother, was raised in Sydney and Brisbane. 

He was inspired to become a musical theatre performer after watching a stadium production of Jesus Chris Superstar starring John Farnham in 1992.

His first major role was in the Australian production of We Will Rock You in 2003. He went on to star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (2009), Rock of Ages (2011) and Evita (2018 – 2019).

Michael’s final role was as Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2019), but he was forced to withdraw from this production due to his cancer.

The stage performer had been documenting his cancer treatment on social media, but stopped in the days leading up to his passing.