Antony Sher, celebrated actor on stage and screen, dies aged 72

His vivid and moving performances, including an Olivier award-winning Richard III, made Sher one of the world's most respected theatre actors

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Sir Antony Sher, one of British theatre's most acclaimed and respected stage actors, has died of cancer at the age of 72. His terminal illness was revealed in September, when the Royal Shakespeare company announced that its artistic director, Sher's husband Gregory Doran, would be taking compassionate leave to care for him.

Sher's death was announced on Friday. Catherine Mallyon, RSC executive director and Erica Whyman, acting artistic director, said: We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Greg, and with Antony's family and their friends at this devastating time. Antony had a long association with the RSC and a hugely celebrated career on stage and screen."