Bafta-winning actor Tim Pigott-Smith has died aged 70, his agent has confirmed.
In a statement released on Friday (April 7), his agent John Grant said: "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."
The British actor had a career that spanned over four decades on stage and screen. He is probably best known for his leading role in the 1984 ITV series The Jewel in the Crown, which is about the final days of the British Raj in India. He was awarded the Best Actor Bafta for his performance in 1985.
He is also known for his appearances in the two Doctor Who serials in the 1970s, The Claws of Axos and The Masque of Mandragora. Other TV credits include The Vice, Bloody Sunday and Downton Abbey.
On the big screen he appeared in Clash of the Titans, V for Vendetta and the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
Pigott-Smith also received Olivier and Tony Award nominations in 2014/15 for his role in the play King Charles III. Just last month he was awarded an OBE for services to drama.
His agent described him as "one of the greatest actors of his generation".
Pigott-Smith was due to appear in a touring production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, with opening night on Monday.
He is survived by his wife, actress Pamela Miles, his son Tom.
People have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the late actor.
RIP #TimPigottSmith Wonderful #Shakespearean actor.
— mary pery (@azuretone) April 7, 2017
Shocked to hear of death of actor Tim Pigott-Smith; fondly remember his magnificent Cassius in @TheRSC #JuliusCaesar some years back.
— Kate Parrott (@BucksBard) April 7, 2017
RIP #TimPigottSmith Funny gentle warm & talented. Shared a stage & laughs w/him 2 weeks ago. Gutted @Hamps_Theatre pic.twitter.com/MJtvYe9t8L
— Sanjeev Bhaskar (@TVSanjeev) April 7, 2017
Tim Pigott-Smith (13 May 1946 – 7 April 2017) R.I.P pic.twitter.com/IryDOLmfKf
— Classic British TV (@Classicbritcom) April 7, 2017
So very sad to hear that Tim Pigott-Smith has passed away. A lovely man and a wonderful actor. My thoughts with Pam and the family. RIP
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) April 7, 2017
Sad news - the actor Tim Pigott-Smith has died aged 70. Was unforgettable as Merrick in The Jewel in the Crown
— Reeta Chakrabarti (@rchak100) April 7, 2017
Very sad news. Actor Tim Pigott-Smith has died. He was best known for his @Bafta award winning role in 1984's The Jewel in the Crown. pic.twitter.com/0llwzgLHyk
— lizo mzimba (@lizo_mzimba) April 7, 2017
Sad to hear about Tim Pigott Smith. Lovely man, great actor.
— David Harewood (@DavidHarewood) April 7, 2017
Desperately sad news about Tim Pigott-Smith. A joyous actor. What a huge loss. xx
— amanda abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) April 7, 2017
..
