Jason Hoganson, who starred in the 1987 film Empire State, led a troubled life that saw him fall into crime following his acting career
16:29, 14 Apr 2026
Jason Hoganson seen outside HM Prison Durham following his early release from prison(Image: PA)
A former actor from Newcastle who appeared in a 1980s Hiollywood movie before descending into a life of crime has died aged 55.
Jason Hoganson attacked his ex-partner following his early release from HMP Durham on September 10, 2024, one of hundreds of inmates released to address prison overcrowding. He had a leading role in the 1987 film Empire State, portraying a Geordie drifter called Pete.
But Hoganson’s life deteriorated and he descended into drink, drugs and criminality. Following being photographed departing prison in 2024 when he had completed half of his 18-month sentence for attacking his ex-partner Rachel Usher, and violating a restraining order, Hoganson was arrested again in Newcastle’s West End when he slapped her at her flat just a day afterwards, reports Chronicle Live.
Tragically, she died after he was returned to custody, but his trial proceeded regardless, and he was convicted.
At the time, Hoganson told the court: “I was released with the 1,500 that were released on September 10 last year but … I’d done my full half of the 18 months.”
Hoganson was convicted of assaulting Ms Usher and two counts of violating a restraining order by visiting her home on 11 September, and sending her a letter from prison a week prior. He was previously imprisoned for offences including burglary, stating in an interview in 2012 that he got into trouble after associating with the ‘wrong crowd’.
Hoganson was mistakenly released early as part of the programme to alleviate prison overcrowding, becoming one of 37 prisoners who were erroneously freed. Nevertheless, it is understood that he would probably have been released just days later anyway under the conditions of his initial sentence.
R W Barrett and Son Funeral Services have now confirmed that he died suddenly on April 4, with his funeral scheduled for April 28 at the West Road Crematorium in Newcastle.
