Oscar-winning writer and actor Colin Welland has died aged 81.
The British star, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his script for ‘Chariots of Fire’ in 1982, passed away on Monday (02.11.15) after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years, his family has confirmed.
In a statement, which was released via his literary agent Anthony Jones, his family said: ”Colin will be desperately missed by his family and friends.
”Alzheimer’s is a cruel illness and there have been difficult times but in the end Colin died peacefully in his sleep.
”We are proud of Colin’s many achievements during his life but most of all he will be missed as a loving and generous friend, husband, father and granddad.”
Colin – who famously used his Oscars acceptance speech to announce: ”The British are coming!” – also won a Bafta for playing Mr Farthing in Ken Loach’s 1969 movie ‘Kes’.
What’s more, he enjoyed a successful career on the small screen, appearing as PC David Graham in TV police show ‘Z Cars’ in the 60s.
The award-winning performer is survived by his wife Patricia, four children and six grandchildren.
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Colin Welland dies aged 81
Colin Welland – who won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his script for ‘Chariots of Fire’ – has died aged 81.