British stage and film actor Ben Cross has died at the age of 72.
Cross - born Harry Bernard Cross - is perhaps best known for his role as British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the inspirational film Chariots of Fire, but younger audiences may recognize him for his portrayal of Sarek in the 2009 Star Trek reboot.
Representatives for the actor confirmed that he died "suddenly" in Vienna, Austria, on August 18 following an illness, BBC News reports.
Taking to Facebook, Cross' daughter, Lauren, revealed the news in a heartbreaking post to the actor's fans. She wrote:
"Dear Fans of Ben Cross. This is his daughter, Lauren. I am utterly heartbroken to share with you that my darling father died a few hours ago. He had been sick for a while but there was a rapid decline over the past week.
"The press will be announcing his death soon, I just wanted you all - his most loyal and loving fans - to hear it from us first. Thank you for all your support over the years. He really enjoyed interacting with you."
Representatives have confirmed that Cross had just finished filming for the horror movie The Devil's Light and later this year will appear in a leading role in the romantic drama Last Letter From Your Lover.
Taking to Twitter, James Bond actor and Cross' former co-star Colin Salmon wrote: "Ben Cross and I were working together on #DevilsLight 12 days ago before he headed off to Vienna.
"It was good working with him, seeing his twinkle & his craft. He wrote songs for the Sinatra of Bulgaria, had so many stories & spoke in Bulgarian and German on set. Go Well Ben RIP."
Director Todd Holland also shared a tribute to the late Cross, writing: "At the beginning of my career, I met #Bencross while casting a feature.
"We shot a screen test at Pinewood Studios. I went to his home for dinner with his family. Ben Cross was a lovely man and talented actor. That movie never got made. But... what a classy guy. #RIP".
He is survived by his wife Deyana Boneva Cross and two children, Lauren and Theo.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time...
