Before discovering bodybuilding, Gladiator Falcon, also known as Bernadette Hunt, trained as a ballerina. She stated that she subsequently declined the opportunity to appear in an ITV remake, preferring to “maintain a low profile.”
Bernadette Hunt, who portrayed Falcon on the popular 1990s sports competition game program Gladiators, has passed away at the age of 59.
Rick Jango, her brother-in-law, posted the news on a Facebook page commemorating the golden era of show business.
He wrote, “It is with great sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of Bernadette Hunt, best known for her role as Falcon on the hit television series Gladiators.
“I had the pleasure of spending some time with her, and I must say she was one of the kindest people I’ve ever encountered.
“She never spoke ill of anyone; in fact, she was known as the nicest Gladiator, stopping to converse with and sign autographs for anyone.
She had been battling cancer for several years before tragically succumbing. R.I.P. Bernie.”
Carol, Hunt’s sister, also remarked, writing, “My beautiful sister was the most admirable type of person on earth.”
Suzanne Cox, who was in Gladiator Vogue, wrote, “I discovered it a couple of days ago.”
According to a statement on the Gladiators’ website, Hunt was “the most lovely, warm, and generous person with a beaming smile,” and “Our Gladiator family is truly devastated by Bernie’s passing.”
She was the second-longest serving female Gladiator, according to the statement.
Stepping away from the spotlight
“Win or lose, Falcon is always there to congratulate [her competitors],” the website continues.
Hunt starred in the second through eighth seasons of Gladiators, and he also appeared in Gladiator’s live performances in Wembley and Sheffield.
She had quit the television industry after working on Gladiators to become a personal trainer at the Basingstoke Sports Centre.
In previous interviews, Hunt stated that she had declined the opportunity to appear in a Gladiators revival, preferring instead to “keep a low profile.”
Ballerina-turned-bodybuilder
After a back injury ended her ballet career, she accidentally joined television.
She went on to become an aerobics instructor before uncovering the world of bodybuilding and swiftly claiming multiple titles.
Hunt had participated in fundraising for Help the Aged and Children with Leukemia in the past.
Her brother-in-law stated that only family members will attend her funeral.
Hunt is survived by her spouse Mark, her son Adam, and her young daughter Angel.
