Actor dead at 38 after secret illness

Actor Nick Tucci, who starred in movies like You're Next and Channel Zero, has died aged 38.

His father, Alexander Tucci, made the announcement via his Facebook page, saying he had chosen to keep his cancer battle a secret.

"On Tuesday, March 3, Nick died at the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut," he said. "Nick chose to keep his illness private so that he could continue to pursue his professional and artistic dreams for as long as possible."

Former Home And Away star Sharni Vinson, who starred with Tucci in the movie You're Next, paid tribute to the actor.

"The devastation and tragedy of this week has been hard to process," she wrote. "It was an honour to have known you and worked with you on You're Next. Heaven claims another too soon."

You're Next screenwriter Simon Barrett shared his feelings on social media.

"Just now heard that Nick Tucci, who played Felix in You're Next, has died of cancer, which he kept private. Nick was a wonderful, truly great actor and human being and I'm deeply sad that I didn't get to spend more time with him. Not sure what to say here, this is awful news.'

Tucci has three new projects currently in post-production: Ballad Of A Hustler, Come Home and Ten Minutes To Midnight.