Ronald Pickup: ‘The Crown’ actor dies aged 80

Ronald Pickup, the actor best known for his roles in Netflix series The Crown and the Bext Excotic Marigold Hotel films, has died aged 80.

Pickup died on Wednesday, according to his agent Jean Diamond, who said: “Ronald Pickup actor aged 80 passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness surrounded by his wife and family.

“He will be deeply missed.”

Pickup had a long and varied career across theatre, film and television.

His first major part came in 1964 when he starred in Doctor Who episode The Tyrant Of France as a physician.

Pickup told the PA news agency in 2012 that his favourite role was when he played writer George Orwell in Crystal Spirit: Orwell On Jura, which told the story of him writing his acclaimed novel 1984.

He also starred in films The Mission and Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time.

The actor remained active into later life and continued to star in big name productions.