
This post deals with suicide and might be triggering for some readers.
Radio, television, music: Dylan Lewis has done it all.
First rising to stardom onABC'sSaturday morning music showRecovery, personality and radio host Dylan has made a name for himself in the Aussie media landscape. He is currently appearing on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! where he has become a fan favourite.
But it's his personal story and the experience of losing his brother to suicide that has resonated with viewers, given many of us have a loved one impacted in some way by mental health. Competing to raise money for Lifeline onI'm A Celebrity...Dylan Lewis has shined a light on these important conversations.
Here's everything we know about Dylan Lewis.
Dylan Lewis spills the rice and beans re I'm A Celebrity... Post continues below.
Video via Studio 10.
Dylan Lewis' childhood.
Dylan was born in 1973 and grew up in Melbourne.
During high school Dylan's love for music flourished, and as a student he was heavily involved in both the drama and music programs at school.
After graduation, he then studied for a Bachelor of Education degree in drama and music at the University of Melbourne.
Dylan Lewis on the death of his brother to suicide.
In 2007, Dylan's younger brother Quinn died by suicide.
OnI'm A Celebrity...Dylan opened up about the ordeal publicly for the first time.
"We grew up best friends. He had a few mental health issues going on, and 15 years ago he took his life. Suicide is an awful thing for people to have to deal with: grief lasts forever," he said through tears.
Whilst in the jungle, Dylan is competing for Lifeline in a bid to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity and an open dialogue about mental health.
Listen to Mamamia Out Loud: The uncool mental illness. Post continues after audio.
"At Lifeline, they're caring, they know what to say, they're trained. The biggest message is don't second guess yourself. If you're worried about someone or yourself, just call Lifeline because the grief lasts forever."
He continued: "I'm doing this for Quinny, I'm doing it for all my family and I'm doing it for anyone who's ever been touched by this."
After the episode went to air, Dylan then took to Instagram to share a picture of him and his brother, writing: "This is me and my beautiful brother, Quinn. I think about him every day and love him every day and wish he was still with us. Every day."
This week, Dylan took on the annual Viper Room challenge onI'm A Celebrity...
As someone who has a snake phobia, it was definitely not the best of experiences for Dylan, labelling it "one of the scariest things I'll ever have to do, buried alive in a grave full of snakes".
But Dylan also noted, "compared to the real trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, it's nothing".
After the Viper Room ordeal and winning the maximum amount of stars in the challenge, (meaning a yummy and fulfilling dinner for him and his campmates), co-hosts Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris asked Dylan how he managed to cope amid the snakes.
"I found strength from my brother's stillness. He was just connected to nature and earth, and had just a beautiful stillness. And I had him in my mind a lot when I was down there. He would have said, 'you're an idiot for doing that, but well done'."
Isabella Ross
Senior News Writer
No Comments
Be the first to leave a comment