Tributes paid to Oscar-nominated actor Frank Finlay, who starred in Othello, The Three Musketeers and Bouquet of Barbed Wire after his death aged 89
- Frank Finlay, known for 1970s TV series Bouquet of Barbed Wire, has died
- The actor also starred as Porthos in the 1973 film The Three Musketeers
- He received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Iago in 1965's Othello
- Sir Roger Moore is among the stars who paid tribute to the veteran actor
Veteran actor Frank Finlay, best known for the 1970s TV series Bouquet Of Barbed Wire, has died aged 89.
On the big screen, he starred alongside Oliver Reed and Richard Chamberlain in The Three Musketeers in 1973, and was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Iago opposite Laurence Olivier in Othello in 1965.
But it was his TV work that sealed his reputation.
Frank Finlay, pictured left in 2003 with actress Maureen Lipman and right with wife Doreen, has died aged 89
Daring: The actor starred in Bouquet Of Barbed Wire in 1976, which was seen as one of the most controversial dramas of the era. Pictured above in his role as Peter Manson, opposite Susan Penhaligon as Prue Sorenson
Critically acclaimed: He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of Iago opposite Laurence Olivier in Othello in 1965. Finlay also starred alongside Olivier in a stage adaptation of the play
Respected: Writer and actor Mark Gatiss was among those who took to Twitter to pay tribute to Finlay
Finlay, originally from Farnworth, Lancashire, played Casanova in 1971 and starred in Bouquet Of Barbed Wire in 1976, which was seen as one of the most controversial dramas of the era.
The actor had three children with his wife, Doreen Shepherd, to whom he was married for 50 years, until her death in 2005.
Sir Roger Moore was among those who paid tribute to Finlay. He said the actor was a 'great co-star' in The Wild Geese, the 1978 adventure film.Actor and writer Mark Gatiss said: 'Bouquets to the great Frank Finlay. Musketeer, vampire hunter, green-eyed Iago. A wonderfully fiery presence on stage and screen. RIP.'
While John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools And Horses, wrote: 'Such sad news to hear that dear Frank Finlay has died. Happy times with him touring Laughter on the 23rd Floor.'
Presenter Alexander Armstrong wrote: 'Oh Lord, and Frank Finlay too. My father-in-law in Life Begins, an astonishing actor and wonderful man. What a sad, sad day.'
Missed: Stars of stage and screen remembered Finlay as a 'wonderful', 'lovely' and 'talented' actor
David Essex tweeted: 'So sorry that dear Frank Finlay passed away yesterday. He was a wonderful Actor and a gentleman. As Bligh in Mutiny he was inspiring RIP.'
Actor Colin Baker wrote: 'Very sad to hear we have lost the lovely, gentle, talented Frank Finlay. And now Sir Terry. Too many greats leaving us.'
Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson wrote: 'So very sad !! the wonderful actor Frank Finlay has died ! Amazing talent will always be remembered !!'
Born 1926, Finlay left school at the age of 14 and took on several odd jobs to make ends meet.
All for one: Oliver Reed, Michael York, Richard Chamberlain and Frank Finlay in 1973's The Three Musketeers
Veteran actor: Finlay, right, in Roman Polanski's The Pianist with Adrian Brody, centre, and Maureen Lipman
During this time, he began appearing with amateur theatre groups and realised his future lay on the stage.
After landing his first professional role in Scotland in 1951, he won a scholarship to London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before appearing in rep in Guildford.
He did not appear in the West End until he was 31, and after making a series of acclaimed performances in various plays, he was invited to join Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company.
He later starred opposite the legendary actor in Othello, and reprised his role for the film adaptation in 1965.
More film success followed, appearing in fan favourite The Three Musketeers alongside Oliver Reed and Richard Chamberlain. He also played Casanova in a 1971 TV series.
Finlay was awarded a CBE in 1984.
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