London, Feb 1 (IANS) British actor Frank Finlay, nominated for an Oscar for his work in “Othello” and who starred in the “Three Musketeers” films of the 1970s, has died. He was 89.
A message on his official website announced the news of Finlay’s death, reports variety.com.
“We are very saddened to announce that Frank died January 30 at home surrounded by his family. He was a fine actor and will be very much missed by his friends and family,” read the message.
Finlay starred alongside Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain and Michael York, in 1973’s “The Three Musketeers” before returning as Porthos for “The Four Musketeers: Milday’s Revenge” in 1974. He reprised his role in the 1989 film “The Return of the Musketeers”.
The actor also appeared in the Richard Roundtree sequel “Shaft in Africa”. His TV credits include “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” and “Casanova”.
He received a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role in “Othello” opposite Laurence Olivier in 1965. He won BAFTA awards for his work as Sancho Panza in “The Adventures of Don Quixote” and as Volaire in “Candide”.
His grandson Josh Coombes, a drummer for the band Tigress, paid tributes to Finlay, calling him “funny, loving, amazing storyteller, inspiration and one of the best actors this country has ever seen”.
Finlay was married to Doreen Shepherd for 50 years until her death in 2005. The couple had three children together.