Tim Pigott-Smith dies aged 70

Legendary actor Tim Pigott-Smith has passed away at the age of 70, it has been announced.

He was due to open in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman at Royal and Derngate in Northampton. His agent confirmed that he died today.

An announcement was made this week that the opening of the production would be delayed due to an unrelated cast injury. Pigott-Smith was due to star opposite his wife Pamela Miles as Linda Loman, who dropped out of the role due to a broken bone.

Pigott-Smith received Tony and Olivier Award nominations in 2014/2015 for his role in the play King Charles III. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic before appearing on stage and screen in countless productions. He made his break in ITV's The Jewel in the Crown about the final days of the British Raj in India.

Other plays include Enron and A Delicate Balance at the Almeida Theatre. Pigott-Smith's films included Johnny English, The Remains of the Day and V for Vendetta. He also wrote a series of children's books.

King Charles III has been made into a TV play and will be broadcast later this year, with Pigott-Smith reprising his role.

Pigott-Smith's agent John Grant said today: "It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Tim Pigott-Smith died this morning. Tim was one of the great actors of his generation. 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. We ask that you respect the privacy of his wife, the actress Pamela Miles, and his son Tom and the family."

Actors and industry figures paid tribute to him on Twitter.

All at the Almeida are sad to hear of the death of Tim Pigott-Smith. Great friend to us all & a formidable talent. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/7zocaa2NZs

So sad about Tim Pigott-Smith. A wonderful actor and a really lovely man. RIP

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

So shocked to hear Tim Pigott-Smith has died. A great actor and family man. He played my father 3 times. He will be so missed. pic.twitter.com/3dhLRZZHrP