Former gangster turned actor Dave Courtney has died, aged 64, in his south-east London home.
Courtney "tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday", a statement posted to his social media accounts said.
The ex-East End gangster shot himself with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead, the statement said.
His family on Monday paid tribute, saying: "He had lived an incredible, colourful rock’n’roll life in which he touched the hearts of so many. The physical pain of living the lifestyle he chose, especially due to the pain of both cancer and arthritis in his later years became too much."
The family had earlier asked "for respect during this period of mourning."
The day before his death Courtney was pictured smiling at The Valley as he watched Charlton beat Reading 4-0.
The ex-criminal enjoyed the “full works” at The Valley stadium, eating a three course meal.
He has starred in gangster films The Dead Sleep Easy and Clubbing To Death.
He was jailed in the 80s for attacking five men with a meat cleaver, and has claimed he was the model for Vinnie Jones's character Big Chris in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Courtney often focused on his links with gangsters such as Reggie Kray and Lenny McLean and has claimed to have been shot, stabbed and had his nose bitten off as part of his dark past.He also claimed to have been involved in debt-collecting, minding clubs, assault, contraband, and murder.
He wrote several books, including F**k the Ride, in which he claimed to have been found not guilty in 19 separate trials.
Courtney was cleared of attacking his wife Jennifer Pinto over an alleged lesbian affair in 2004.
The Metropolitan Police said officers attended an address on Chestnut Rise at around 11.25am following reports of a man found deceased.
A 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.
His family has been informed.
Formal identification has not taken place, and the death is currently being treated as unexpected and is under investigation.
No arrests have been made, the Met Police added.
Tributes have flowed for the actor on social media.
Writer and author Rocky Troiani said: “This is a post I never thought I would be writing. The loss of Dave Courtney is beyond words so heartbreaking to write. Dave had been a close friend for many years as well as a great support for my charity work as photo shows here and even for a little sick girl just couple years ago dressed a father Christmas.
“Dave had a heart of pure gold and would help anyone that genuinely needed it. I will miss my Christmas eve call this year. Such a sad loss and one that has broken many hearts too. God bless you sir you will be so sadly missed.”
Actor Terry Stone wrote on Facebook: "He always had lots of funny stories to share and was always the life and soul of any party.
"What Dave did for me was he gave me my first break into acting and he was a really good friend of mine when I was promoting One Nation & Garage Nation back in 1990’s."
Others said they were shocked and heartbroken over Courtney's death.
RIP Dave Courtney, legend brav pic.twitter.com/ek0wSKZOWz
— Castillo (@Castillo1st_) October 22, 2023
Very sad receiving news this afternoon that Dave Courtney has passed away 💔 All my memories of Dave involve having lots of fun, jokes and laughter - You will be missed loads and never forgotten 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WNdK7TW96s
— Slipmatt (@Slipmatt) October 22, 2023
RIP #DaveCourtney, our 4th podcast guest. Always hilarious till the end! He even blessed baby Ziggy with his first ever and only pound note. pic.twitter.com/8i7kkKpTmL
— Shaun Attwood (@shaunattwood) October 22, 2023
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