Ben Cross has died after a short illness, it’s been confirmed.
He passed away early on Tuesday morning in Vienna, Austria, his family said.
Cross was best known for his portrayal of Harold Abrahams in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, as well as Sarek in the 2009 Star Trek reboot.
His daughter Lauren confirmed the sad news of death on Facebook this morning, writing: “I am utterly heartbroken to share with you that my darling father died a few hours ago.
“He had been sick for a while but there was a rapid decline over the past week.”
Lauren did not specify what illness her father was suffering from.
Cross is survived by his wife Deyana Boneva Cross, and his three children.
He was married three times, and became a grandfather in October 2014.
Cross was born in London in December 1947 to a working class family.
The actor studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1977.
Cross played several big roles in the theatre, including in Privates on Parade as Kevin Cartwright.
He also played Billy Flynn in Chicago.