The actor Tim Pigott-Smith has died, aged 70.
Pigott-Smith was best known for his break-out television role as Lt Col Ronald Merrick in the miniseries Jewel In The Crown, which aired in 1984. He won a best actor BAFTA for the part the following year, beating co-stars Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) and Art Malik.
Born in Rugby in 1946, Pigott-Smith trained as an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and began his acting career at the theatre in 1969.
Amidst a diverse and lengthy career, his TV roles included spots in Doctor Who (where he played Marco), Winston Churchilll: The Wilderness Years and Downton Abbey (Sir Philip Tapsell). On film, Pigott-Smith had roles in the likes of V For Vendetta, Gangs of New York, Alice in Wonderland and Quantum of Solace.
The late actor was also working on a TV version of a play that imagines Prince Charles’ accession to the throne, titled King Charles III. It is set to broadcast on the BBC later this year.
In a statement, Pigott-Smith’s agent John Grant lauded him as “one of the greatest actors of his generation.”
“It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Tim Pigott-Smith died this morning. Much-loved and admired by his peers, he will be remembered by many as a gentleman and a true friend. He will be much missed.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of his wife, the actress Pamela Miles, his son Tom and the family.”