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Former ‘Nanny McPhee’ child star Raphael Coleman dies at 25

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Actor Raphael Coleman, a child star in the 2005 film “Nanny McPhee" who later became a climate change activist, died Friday. He was 25.

Coleman starred with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth in “Nanny McPhee" when he was 10, playing the role of Eric Brown. He died after collapsing during a run, Variety reported.

Coleman’s mother, Liz Jensen, confirmed her son’s death on Twitter.

“He died doing what he loved, working for the noblest cause of all,” Jensen wrote.

Coleman’s stepfather, Carsten Jensen, said on Facebook the actor did not have any health issues. He also said Coleman originally wanted to be a scientist, the BBC reported.

“As a child, he was old-wise, extremely literate and loved to lecture adults with his always astonishing knowledge,” Carsten Jensen wrote.

“Not to blow up something, as his figure in Nanny McPhee, but to save the planet.”

Coleman appeared in two other films: “It’s Alive” and “The Fourth Kind” in 2009. He studied zoology at the University of Manchester before becoming an activist, Variety reported. He worked with Extinction Rebellion, an environmentalist group dedicated to wildlife conservation.

On his website, Coleman called himself “a twenty-something Zoology graduate traveling the world on a shoestring budget, working with wildlife and exploring wildernesses."

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

Actress Eliza Bennett, who also had a role in “Nanny McPhee,” said on Twitter she was heartbroken.

Raphael Coleman Actor Raphael Coleman, a child star in the "Nanny McPhee" film, died Feb. 7. He was 25. (Max Nash/Associated Press)

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