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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

David Warner dead: Titanic and Omen actor had cancer-related illness

The Omen and Titanic actor David Warner has died at the age of 80 from a cancer-related illness.

He died on Sunday and Denville Hall, a care home for people in the entertainment industry.

David's family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement.

"Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity," his family shared in a statement.

"He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years.

They concluded to BBC: "We are heartbroken."

He had a cancer-related illness (Getty Images)

The late star is survived by "his beloved partner Lisa Bowerman, his much-loved son Luke and daughter-in-law Sarah, his good friend Jane Spencer Prior, his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends".

He was known for his role as Billy Zane's sidekick Spicer Lovejoy in 1997 hit film Titanic, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Fans also remember him from The Omen (1976), where he played photographer Keith Jennings.

His fruitful career began in 1962, with his first on-screen credit on The King's Breakfast.

Just four years later, he was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Leading Role in Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment. He played Morgan Delt.

David also starred in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Michael Kohlhaas - Der Rebell (where he was nominated for a German Film Award) and Straw Dogs.

He played many villainous characters, such as in films like The Thirty Nine Steps (1978) and Time Bandits (1981).

He is known for his many villainous roles (Getty Images)

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In the last 30 years, he has starred in many hits including Scream 2 as Gus Gold, Planet of the Apes as Senator Sandar, You, Me and Him as Michael Miller and Mary Poppins Returns in Admiral Bloom.

The actor also appeared in many TV shows, including Doctor Who, Penny Dreadful, Ripper Street, Sweeney Todd, Batman Beyond and more.

His final role was the voice of The Lobe in Teen Titans Go! in 2020.

The actor was born in Manchester and was educated at Feldon School in Leamington Spa. He trained for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

He made his stage debut in 1962 (WireImage)

David made his stage debut at the Royal Court Theatre in January of 1962, playing a minor role in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The star had many Shakespear roles, including as Conrad in Much Ado About Nothing and Trinculo in The Tempest.

In 2005 he returned to the stage after 40 years, playing King Lear in Chichester.

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in for David, with director Edgar Write tweeting his condolences.

"Very sad to hear of David Warner’s passing, an actor with a huge legacy on stage & screen and unforgettable roles in; Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment, Straw Dogs, From Beyond The Grave, The Omen, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Tron, Titanic and much more. He will be missed," he tweeted.

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