The Great Escape actor George Mikell has died aged 91, his agent confirmed.
Though the actor’s cause of death has not been confirmed, he is thought to have died of natural causes after a period of illness.
Mikell’s agent, Thomas Bowington, paid tribute to the actor’s legacy in a heartfelt statement, remembering him as a “kind and caring man”.
The statement, which was shared with PA, read: “As an actor, client and friend, he was just like what one would wish the perfect grandfather would be.
“A very sad loss not having George around anymore.”
Bowington continued: “But in spite of the loss, thinking about George can only make one smile because he was such a kind and caring man.
“Leaving a legacy of great films behind him for future generations to enjoy.
Mikell’s agent remembered him as a “kind and caring man” (Image: Matt Anker / Retna Pictures)
“And many smiling friends, because we had the privilege and pleasure to know George.”
Born in Lithuania in 1927, Mikell moved to Australia to pursue his studies, picking up jobs as a lumberjack and a door-to-door salesman along the way.
The steely blond actor’s first major role was playing an SS officer named Sessler in the 1961 hit film The Guns of Navarone.
Mikell played SS Obersturmführer Dietrich in The Great Escape
Starring Gregory Peck, the hugely successful war film was inspired by the Battle of Leros during the Dodecanese Campaign of World War II.
In 1963, he played an SS officer yet again, appearing in The Great Escape alongside actors Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough.
Mikell’s character, named SS Obersturmführer Dietrich, was responsible for transferring Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (Richard Attenborough) to the prisoner-of-war camp.
Tributes have been paid to Mikell’s acting legacy since news of his death broke (Image: PA)
He went on to star opposite actors such as Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine, in films like Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun and Escape To Victory.
Before his death, Mikell was awarded the Lithuanian Music Theatre and Arts medal of honour by the Lithuanian Embassy, honouring his legacy.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
