John Shrapnel dead – Notting Hill and Gladiator star dies aged 77 after cancer battle – The Sun | The Sun

NOTTING Hill and Gladiator star John Shrapnel has died aged 77.

The actor was best known for tackling Shakespeare roles and appearing on stage at the Old Vic.

He died on Friday after suffering with cancer, with actors paying tribute to his work.

The recognisable actor was known for his voiceover work on documentaries and TV adverts.

The National Theatre paid tribute to him on Twitter, posting: "We're very sad to hear that the wonderful actor John Shrapnel has died.

"He performed in many productions at the National Theatre, including Phèdre - our first @NTLiveproduction."

He leaves behind three children and a wife, Francesca Bartley.

The actor appeared in films and television, and was a member of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He appeared as Senator Gaius in Gladiator, Nestor in Troy and as the PR chief in Notting Hill - among many other roles.

He was born in Birmingham in 1942 and lived out the last years of his life in Highbury, North London.

'TREMENDOUS BRITISH ACTOR'

The actor Richard E. Grant paid tribute to him, saying: "Sad to learn that John Shrapnel has died.

"I played his patient in HOW TO GET AHEAD IN ADVERTISING(1989).

"Generous, kind, funny and warm hearted. Privileged to have known and worked with him."

Director Duncan Jones wrote: "Just received news that the tremendous British actor John Shrapnel has passed away.

"John was one of a handful of actors, far too talented for my early career, to agree to work with me just after I left film school.