Veteran actor of stage and screen David Warner has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Warner was born in Manchester, England on July 29, 1941. A well-recognized Mancunian actor, he trained at RADA (Royal Academy for the Dramatic Arts) and rose to prominence as a stage star for the Royal Shakespeare Company in his early career. Warner was BAFTA nominated in his 20s for his lead role in the film Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment. He also won an Emmy in 1981 for the miniseries Masada.
Internationally, and in the realms of pop-culture, Warner is perhaps most recognized for his role in 80’s sci-fi hit Tron as the villainous Ed Dillinger. His well-spoken and serious manner often saw him play cinematic baddies, such as in The Thirty Nine Steps and James Cameron’s 1997 global hit Titanic. Warner is also well-known for his performances as Keith Jennings in The Omen, several roles in Star Trek movies and television, and on Twin Peaks, Doctor Who, and Wallander. In animation, Warner lent his voice to many memorable characters, most notably Ra's al Ghul in Batman: The Animated Series.
Sadly, Warner’s family have confirmed via the BBC that the experienced thespian has passed away at the age of 80 following a short illness. Warner reportedly died on Sunday after an 18-month period of ill health that he approached “with characteristic grace and dignity”. His family go on to praise him as a “generous and compassionate man” with a “legacy of extraordinary work” that has “touched the lives of so many”.
His most recent appearance on the big screen was as the eccentric Admiral Bloom is Disney’s 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns. The role remains Warner’s final live-action appearance. The same year saw his final TV role in detective series The Alienist, with Warner guest-starring as Professor Cavanagh in the show’s fifth episode.
The actor will be remembered as a dedicated actor of stage and screen. Popular and ever-present in the UK, Warner is survived by his family who led tributes to the actor today. Other stars have joined in mourning the loss of the actor including Edgar Wright, who listed his “unforgettable roles”, and actor/writer Mark Gatiss, who called his friendship “a gift beyond words”. Warner will be missed by many fans of theater, film and television and leaves behind a long and impressive career across all three mediums. May he rest in peace.
Source: BBC News