Jan 25, 2012, 20:16 GMT
Amsterdam/London - Scottish actor Nicol Williamson, who reaped generous praise with his performance in the 1981 film Excalibur among others, died of cancer at age 73, the Dutch daily De Volkskrant reported Wednesday in its online edition citing Williamson's son Luke.
Williamson died on December 16 at his home in Amsterdam, of an esophageal cancer which he had been suffering from for two years, De Volkskrant reported. He had lived for years in Amsterdam, where he focused on another passion, music.
He made a name for himself in the theatre, with memorable performances including Hamlet and Macbeth, and he was also well-known for his supporting roles in films. His role of Merlin in Excalibur was widely acclaimed. He last appeared in a film in Spawn (1997).
British playwright John Osborne once called him 'the greatest actor since Marlon Brando.'
The Daily Telegraph quoted Williamson's son Luke as saying that the actor had been 'eager that no fuss should be made about his passing.'
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