Actor Ronald Pickup, best known for his roles in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films and The Crown, has died aged 80.
The star died on Wednesday surrounded by his wife Lans Traverse and family, according to his agent.
Jean Diamond said in a statement: “Ronald Pickup actor aged 80 passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
“He will be deeply missed.”
Chester-born Pickup had a varied career across theatre, film and television.
His first major part came in 1964 when he starred in Doctor Who episode The Tyrant Of France as a physician.
In 2012 Pickup said that his favourite role was when he played writer George Orwell in Crystal Spirit: Orwell On Jura, which told the story of him writing his acclaimed novel 1984.
He also starred in films The Mission and Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time.
The actor remained active into later life and continued to star in big name productions.
In 2016, he featured in the first series of hit Netflix royal drama The Crown as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Pickup starred opposite Gary Oldman in 2017 as former prime minister Neville Chamberlain in Darkest Hour, which told the story of the lead up to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Last year he starred in horror film End Of Term.
His survived by his wife Lans Traverse, whom he married in 1964 after meeting at RADA, as well as daughter Rachel and son Simon.
