British actor Ron Moody, best known for his iconic role as Fagin in the musical Oliver, has died at the age of 91.
The star’s agent has confirmed that Moody passed away in hospital after battling a long illness for some years.
His widow, Therese Moody said in a statement: 'He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end.”
Moody played the role of Fagin in the first ever performance of Lionel Bart’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist in the West End in 1960.
He then brought the role to the big screen in the 1968 film version, which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Moody then took Fagin to the US, reprising the role on Broadway in 1984, receiving a Tony Award nomination.
After turning down the titular role in Doctor Who in 1969, Moody appeared in a number of children’s television programmes including Animals of Farthing Wood and Noah’s Island.
Acting right up until 2010, the actor was also known for his role in EastEnders, in which he played a rival of long-running character, Jim Branning.
Moody married Pilates teacher, Therese, in 1985 and the pair have six children together.
