Jake Abraham, a Liverpool-born actor who played Dean in the British gangster film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, has died at the age of 56. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in July and was receiving palliative care. He passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2023.
Abraham was a versatile actor who appeared in various films, TV shows and theatre productions. He starred in the 1991 Channel 4 series GBH, alongside Robert Lindsay and Michael Palin. He also had roles in Mean Machine, Formula 51, Snatch and The 51st State.
He was well-loved by his colleagues and friends in the industry. Bill Elms, a Liverpool theatre director and producer who worked with Abraham on several occasions, told the Liverpool Echo: “I had the great pleasure of working with Jake on a few shows I co-produced, Twopence to Cross the Mersey and Lennon’s Banjo, he was a wonderful actor, a great company member and was much loved by so many in the industry.”
“He will be sadly missed. I have many fond memories of Jake, he was always so upbeat and fun to be around. I admired him for going public with his illness, it will make a difference to many others and save lives,” Elms added.
A late diagnosis and a brave fight
Abraham revealed his cancer diagnosis in an interview with the Liverpool Echo in July. He said that he had been feeling unwell for a long time, but did not seek medical attention until he passed blood in his urine. He then underwent a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and was told that he had cancer that had spread to his spine, hips and bladder.
“He said: ‘You’ve got cancer, I’m so, so sorry.’ He said that I’d had it for years, maybe four years,” Abraham recalled.
He decided to share his story publicly to raise awareness and encourage other men to get tested early. He also thanked his fans for their support and said that he was not afraid of death.
“I’m not scared of dying because I’ve lived my life to the full. I’ve done everything I wanted to do,” he said.
A memorable performance in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Abraham is perhaps best known for his role as Dean in Guy Ritchie’s 1998 cult classic Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He played one of the two hapless thieves who were hired to steal a pair of antique shotguns from a pawnbroker. The film also featured Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, Nick Moran and Sting.
Abraham’s performance was praised by critics and audiences alike for its comic timing and charisma. He also became friends with Ritchie and appeared in two more of his films: Snatch and Revolver.
Abraham is survived by his wife Lisa and their three children: Jake Jr., Georgia and Harry.
