Oscar-winning actor dies aged 97

23 April 2005

Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills has died at the age of 97, a member of his staff confirmed.

She said: "Sir John Mills died peacefully at home after a short illness."

Sir John was one of Britain's best-loved actors and had a career spanning more than 100 films.

The archetypal English gentleman, Sir John graced stage and screen for more than 60 years, starting as a £4-a-week chorus boy at the London Hippodrome in 1929.

His greatest triumph was winning a Hollywood Oscar in 1971 for playing a deformed mute in Ryan's Daughter.

He starred in a succession of David Lean films - In Which We Serve, This Happy Breed, Hobson's Choice and as Pip in Great Expectations.

Star of more than 100 films, Sir John, who was knighted in 1976, will probably be best-remembered for his patriotic roles in such films as Ice Cold in Alex, Above Us the Waves, Dunkirk, Scott of the Antarctic and Tunes of Glory - one of his personal favourites.

He is survived by his wife, playwright Mary Hayley Bell, his son, Jonathan, and daughters Juliette and Hayley, both actors.

The couple wed in 1941 and remained devoted to each other. Sir John had previously been married to Aileen Raymond, whom he married aged 19.

The funeral will be held at St Mary's Church near his home in Denham on Wednesday for family and close friends. A memorial service will take place at a later date yet to be decided.

Sorry to see him go-he was indeed a great Actor-nevertheless he had a good innings to pass on at 97

RIP Sir John

Sorry to see him go-he was indeed a great Actor-nevertheless he had a good innings to pass on at 97

RIP Sir John

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Never met the man but sad he's gone. Good actor.