Sam Kelly
Sam Kelly has died aged 70.
The British actor, who is known for his roles in ''Allo 'Allo!' and 'Porridge', passed away "peacefully" this morning (14.06.14) after a long battle with an illness.
His agent Lynda Ronan told the BBC: "Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought. He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession."
Sam's former co-stars and fans took to Twitter this evening to pay their respects following the devastating news.
Stephen Fry, 56, tweeted: "Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly's death. He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalagluft I made with Nick Lyndhurst... (sic)".
Colin Baker, 71, added: "Cannot believe that lovely Sam Kelly has died. We were at drama school together - lovely, funny, talented chap. So sad."
Matt Gattis described Sam as a "funny, talented man and one of the good guys", and said the news of his death was "desperately sad."
Sam, who appeared in film, television, radio and theatre during his 46-year career, was most recently seen in 'Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang', 'My Family', 'Heartbeat', and the West End musical 'Wicked'.
However, in February of this year, he was forced to stand down from his role as the Wizard of Oz in the live production due to ill health.
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