Actor Warren Clarke, known for his role in TV drama Dalziel And Pascoe, died today at the age of 67.
The star, who also appeared in films such as Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, is said to have died after a "short illness".
Oldham-born Clarke was also known for his starring role in BBC series Down To Earth, about a family who leave the rat race to relocate to rural Devon.
His death was announced by the agency which handled his career, Independent Talent Group.
A statement issued on behalf of his agent said: "The actor Warren Clarke died peacefully in his sleep on November 12 2014, after a short illness.
"He will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. At this time we ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief."
In his early days as an actor, he had roles as two characters in Coronation Street in the late 1960s, before establishing his movie career as one of the thuggish droogs who enjoyed "ultraviolence" along with their ringleader Alex (played by Malcolm McDowell) in A Clockwork Orange.
The last role he completed before his death was as Charles Poldark in a BBC revival of the 1970s TV drama Poldark.
Many viewers will know him for his performances as Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel - opposite Colin Buchanan - in the TV adaptation of Reginald Hill's stories about the chalk-and-cheese colleagues Dalziel and Pascoe.
It ran for 12 series from 1996 until its conclusion in 2007.
Other notable programmes have included the BBC adaptation of Bleak House nine years ago and Channel 4's Red Riding trilogy in 2009.
More recent performances have included a guest role in Midsomer Murders, a part in BBC1 hit Call The Midwife and a stage portrayal of Winston Churchill in Three Days In May.
Assessing his career in one interview, he said: "I got lucky with some of the things I did and happened to make bigger money. But I've never gone into anything thinking 'oh, I'm going to make a fortune here'.
"I want to see the script, the character. I've been offered stuff in Hollywood but it was stuff I didn't want to be involved with."
Many paid tribute to Clarke today with actor Reece Shearsmith, who shared a screen with him in an ITV drama, calling him "a very funny and lovely man".
Emmerdale actor John Bowe, who has acted alongside him, said: "Safe journey, Warren. And no arguments on the way."
Writer and broadcaster Tony Parsons said: "Warren Clarke was wonderful for 40 years - from Dalziel And Pascoe all the way back to Dim in Clockwork Orange."
Clarke was a lifelong Manchester City fan and his death was mourned by the club. City's official Twitter feed included a message which read: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Warren Clarke following sad news of the actor and MCFC fan's passing."
Actor Will Mellor called him a "good friend" and said in a message posted online: "So sad to hear the news. I can't believe it. Great man."
Others with whom Clarke has starred over the years spoke warmly of him.
David Morrissey said: "So sad to hear about the death of Warren Clarke. He was a very special man, a great actor. We had wonderful times together on Red Riding."
Richard E Grant said: "Worked with him twice and shared a holiday in the Caribbean. Hilarious and irreverent."
Lee Ingleby called him "a true gent", and comedian Jack Dee said he was a "brilliant, funny and generous man who was a joy to work with".
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