George Mikell, the actor best known for his roles in The Great Escape and The Guns Of Navarone has died. He was 91 years old.
Mikell's agent confirmed the news that Mikell died of natural causes following a short illness.
In a statement obtained by Press Association, Mikell's agent Thomas Bowington said: "Unlike the many grim, cold and sometimes outright sadistic parts he was asked to portray on the big and small screen, they could not have been in further contrast to the man himself.
"He really was gentle George. He told me that he saw the worst of what people can do to each other as a child growing up during World War II."
Bowington continued: "He became a man who was always kind and welcoming to people. His warmth, gentle sense of humor, kind and gentle manners really and truly made him the best of gentlemen.
"As an actor, client, and friend, he was just like what one would wish the perfect grandfather would be.
"A very sad loss not having George around anymore.
"But in spite of the loss, thinking about George can only make one smile, because he was such a kind and caring man.
"Leaving a legacy of great films behind him for future generations to enjoy. And many smiling friends, because we had the privilege and pleasure to know George."
The Lithuanian-born actor starred in 30-plus feature films over the years but is perhaps best known for his roles 1963 classic The Great Escape where he played Lt. Dietrich, one of the Schutzstaffel (SS), and 1961's The Guns of Navarone as Sessler.
Born Jurgis Mikelaitis in Bildeniai in Lithuania on April 4, 1929, Mikell began his career in Australia where his big break came when he starred in a stage production of Darkness At Noon.
He was spotted by the Old Vic Company in Australia and was asked to join their Australian Shakespeare tour.
He made his film debut in The One That Got Away in 1957.
Other notable films Mikell starred in include The Sea Wolves, Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun, and Escape To Victory alongside Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
Shortly before his death, Mikell was given the Lithuanian Music Theatre and Arts medal of honor by the Lithuanian Embassy.
Brideshead Revisited actor Anthony Andrews and his wife Georgina Simpson, who were friends with Mikell, said: "George was a consummate performer with an unforgettable grace and charm, both on and off screen. A wonderful friend never to be forgotten."
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