The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Chariots Of Fire actor Ben Cross, 72
Ben Cross, best known for his starring role in Chariots Of Fire, has died at the age of 72.
The actor was lauded for his portrayal of British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 film, which won four Oscars including best picture.
A statement from his representatives said: “Ben passed away suddenly today following a short illness. He had just finished shooting The Devil’s Light for Lionsgate, and later this year will be seen in Last Letter From Your Lover in a leading role.”
A post on his Facebook page, said to be written by his daughter Lauren, said Cross experienced a “rapid decline” in the last week.
It said: “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.
“The press will be announcing his death soon, I just wanted you all, his most loyal and loving fans, to hear it from us first.
“Thank you for all your support over the years. He really enjoyed interacting with you.”
Cross was born Harry Bernard Cross in London.
In 1970 he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
After graduating he moved from the stage to screen and appeared in a minor role in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.
That same year he became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in Privates On Parade.
He found wider success in 1978 appearing in the play Chicago as Billy Flynn, the lawyer representing murderer Roxie Hart.
That performance is widely believed to have earned him his role in Chariots Of Fire.
Cross played athlete Abrahams, with the late Sir Ian Holm nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actor in his role as coach Sam Mussabini in the film based on the true story of two British men racing for Olympic gold in 1924.
In the intervening years he appeared as Malagant in First Knight (1995) and Sarek in the 2009 Star Trek reboot.
Shortly before his death he finished filming the horror feature The Devil’s Light for Lionsgate.
Cross had two children, Lauren and Theo.
James Bond star Colin Salmon said on Twitter: “Ben Cross and I were working together on#devilslight 12 days ago before he headed off to Vienna.
“It was good working with him, seeing his twinkle & his craft.”
US television and film director Todd Holland also shared a tribute, writing: “Ben Cross was a lovely man and talented actor... What a classy guy.”