The Crown and Darkest Hour actor Ronald Pickup has died

Ronald Pickup attends The Royal Film Performance and World Premiere of "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" at Odeon Leicester Square on February 17, 2015 in London, England

(Image credit: Karwai Tang / Contributor via Getty Images)

By Lucy Abbersteen 2021-02-25T15:41:03Z

British film and television actor Ronald Pickup has died aged 80, his agent has confirmed today.

Pickup was known for roles in Darkest Hour, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and, most recently, in season 1 of Netflix's The Crown.

In a statement to PA, his agent said, "Ronald Pickup passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness surrounded by his wife and family. He will be deeply missed."

He is survived by his wife, Lans Traverse, who he met at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and two children, Rachel and Simon.

Ronald Pickup, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, director John Madden and Lillete Dubey attend The Royal Film Performance and World Premiere of "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" at Odeon Leicester Square on February 17, 2015 — Ronald Pickup with Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith

Pickup's career famously began in the 60s when he landed an unnamed role in Doctor Who, for which he was paid just £30, The Independent reports.

Over the years he had roles in many major television shows, including The Bill, Silent Witness Midsomer Murders, and even Coronation Street.

More recently he played Neville Chamberlain alongside Gary Oldman's Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury in the first season of The Crown.

He also appeared in both The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, and an episode of the hit period drama Downton Abbey.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.