Troubled Hollywood actor who gave thumbs up on day of Keir Starmer's early prison release scheme died of natural causes and drug use

By OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 13:48, 29 July 2026 | Updated: 13:52, 29 July 2026 A troubled Hollywood actor who gave a defiant thumbs up as he walked free from prison during Keir Starmer's controversial early release scheme died from drug use and natural causes, a coroner has found.  Jason Hoganson had served half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex-partner, Rachel Usher, when he walked free from HMP Durham in September 2024. He was pictured giving the thumbs up as he left, coincidentally on the same day 1,700 other prisoners were released under Labour measures to tackle overcrowding. Just 48 hours later, the 55-year-old was arrested on suspicion of breaching a restraining order and assault following an attack on Ms Usher on September 11.  He was jailed for 18 months, most of which he had already served on remand.   Hoganson had a leading role in the 1987 cult film Empire State, starring as a drifter called Pete, but his career stalled after he got caught up in drink, drugs and crime. He began living on the streets following his prison sentence.  On Wednesday, Newcastle Coroner's Court was told the troubled actor had been found dead at his accommodation on April 4, 2026.   Jason Hoganson was pictured giving the thumbs up as he left jail in 2024, coincidentally on the same day 1,700 other prisoners were released under measures to tackle overcrowding The former actor (pictured) had served half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex-partner, Rachel Usher, when he walked free from HMP Durham in September 2024 He had a long history of alcohol and drug abuse, the inquest was told.  His death was due to bronchopneumonia, with drug addiction a significant contributory factor, a post-mortem examination revealed. A rough-sleeping key worker said Hoganson's engagement with services had been 'erratic', partly due to him being homeless. Coroner Georgina Nolan found he had died due to natural causes and drug use. She passed on her condolences to the father-of-five's family and friends. Ms Usher, a mother-of-three, died on October 30, 2024, the same day Hoganson was originally due to stand trial.  A judge ruled the case should still go ahead, despite her tragic death. In a statement from Ms Usher, read by prosecutor Lisa Callum, the court heard that Hoganson 'used to hit me all the time' during their six-year relationship.  Hoganson (pictured) had a leading role in the 1987 Hollywood movie Empire State, alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau Pictured is the poster for the cult classic film Empire State, which was released in 1987 Ms Usher said she had been waiting for a lift by her flat when Hoganson sprinted towards her and 'slapped me across the side of my face'. 'I do not have any injuries but the slap was powerful,' she said.  'There was a lot of force behind it. He was shouting and bawling and seemed really angry,' she added. 'He called me a s*** and said there was someone in my flat. 'He said can we go somewhere and when I said no he got even more angry.' The court heard how a terrified Ms Usher called police while Hoganson hit his head on an electrical box on the wall. In his evidence, Hoganson claimed he only went back to the block of flats where his ex-partner lived to get some belongings from a man who lived there. When asked why the man was not in court to back his claims, Hoganson claimed he had been 'having an affair' with his ex while he was in jail.  He then started shouting obscenities from the dock and was removed from court.  Hoganson, originally from Wallsend, had a plethora of distinctive tattoos (pictured) Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson died with over 100 convictions on his record.  The troubled actor had a leading role in the 1987 Hollywood movie Empire State, alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau. Playing an enigmatic Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie.  Newcastle Crown Court was previously told by Hoganson's defence, Ian Kirk, that the troubled actor had personal struggles before he assaulted Ms Usher.  Mr Kirk told the court: 'He was an accomplished actor. He actually secured a role, quite a leading role, in a film, a crime thriller. 'At that point the future was bright. Being thrown into the spotlight wasn't easy for him to cope with. He turned to drink and drugs and that led to a downward spiral.' Mr Kirk added that Hoganson had a complex mental health history but had been a mentor for others while in prison on remand.