FILM STAR DEAD
Ronald Pickup dead at 80 – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel star dies after long illness
BEST Exotic Marigold Hotel star Ronald Pickup has died aged 80 after a long illness, his agent said today.
The actor died surrounded by his wife and family.
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His agent said the actor tragically passed away on Wednesday, saying: "Ronald Pickup actor aged 80 passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness surrounded by his wife and family.
"He will be deeply missed."
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.
Pickup told the PA news agency in 2012 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.
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In 2016 he featured in the first series of hit Netflix royal drama The Crown as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In 2017 Pickup starred opposite Gary Oldman 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.
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