Actor Stephen Greif has died at the age of 78.
The star is best-known for his roles in The Crown and Blake’s 7, and also appeared in soaps including Coronation Street and EastEnders.
Stephen's death was announced on Monday by Michelle Braidman Associates, who represented him.
They wrote in a statement on Twitter that they would ‘miss him dearly,’ saying they were announcing the news ‘with great sadness.’
The emotional post read: "With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.
"His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End.
"We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Throughout his glittering acting career, Stephen won a string of awards including Best Actor and Most Promising Actor after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
As well as his onscreen fame, Stephen also made appearances on the stage including at the Old Vic and London's West End, where he won a Best Actor nomination for his role in the Italian Comedy of Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
Stephen's most recent acting credits include the role of Speak of the House, Sir Bernard Weatherill in the Netflix hit The Crown back in 2020.
He is best known for his role as Travis in the BBC sci-fi series, Blake's 7 back in 1978 – featuring heavily in the first series.
Following the news of his sad death, tributes have poured in for the actor from former colleagues, friends and fans of his work.
Voice actor Barnaby Edwards said he was ‘very saddened to hear that Stephen Greif has left us.’
The Doctor Who star continued: "A rock-solid performer with a voice as liquid and deadly as molten lava. When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed.
"His acerbic wit and obvious intelligence made him a joy to direct. Thanks for the fun, Stephen."
Another fan penned: "Sorry to hear this. Citizen Smith is my favourite sitcom but only the first three series as when he left it was never the same."
"I'm shocked and saddened by Stephen Greif's passing, I saw him recently doing Tears, Treachery and Just a Little Murder and at the Forever Avon convention. Another great actor with a truly amazing voice gone and such a gentleman," someone else typed.
