British actor Michael Byrne, who appeared in some of the world's biggest blockbusters, has died. He was 82.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Across 60 years in the entertainment industry, the London-born actor appeared in several movies, television shows and stage performances. He was famous for his work in the Indiana Jones and Harry Potter movie franchises.
The Guardian was first to report the news. Per the outlet, he died on June 20 and is survived by actress Carole Nimmons, his wife since 1965, and their two daughters and three grandchildren. A cause of death has yet to be announced.
Byrne made his film debut in 1963's "The Scarlet Blade," and followed that up with roles in "Butley," "The Eagle Has Landed," "Henry VIII and His Six Wives," "The Medusa Touch" and "The Good Father."
In 1989, he played Nazi Colonel Ernst Vogel in the third "Indiana Jones" movie starring Harrison Ford.
In the two decades after, Byrne appeared in Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning film "Braveheart," the Pierce Brosnan-starring James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies" and Martin Scorsese's epic "Gangs of New York."
Harry Potter fans likely remember him for his work as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1."
The Life and Legacy of Michael Byrne
Michael Byrne was born in Hampstead, London, the son of Helen Byrne, a single mother and cook from Kilkenny, Ireland.
Byrne attended the Anna Freud nursery and Burgess Hill school in Hampstead, and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama (supported by the Freud Institute), The Guardian reports.
He met his future wife, Carole Nimmons, while touring Ireland with the Arena theatre company in 1962. The actors married in 1965.
Byrne began his television career in the 1960s with early roles in "No Hiding Place," "Silent Playground" and "ITV Saturday Night Theatre." The London-born performer made his film debut in "The Scarlet Blade."
Tributes Pour In For Michael Byrne
In the wake of the news, cinema and television fans have begun sending tributes on social media.
"He was good at being bad. An excellent actor. He will be missed," a user wrote on X.
Another replied: "Character actors are gold and always appreciated. R.I.P. Mr. Byrne."
