Ron Moody dies

Oliver! star was 91.

by Amber Wilkinson

Ron Moody as Fagin
Ron Moody as Fagin

Ron Moody has died at age 91. His agent said he had been ill for some time.

The London born comic and acting star had a career spanning more than 60 years but was best known for his Oscar-nominated role as arch-thief Fagin in the 1968 Charles Dickens screen adaptation Oliver! He won a Golden Globe for the role and was nominated for a BAFTA - losing to Spencer Tracy, who won the award posthumously for Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.

Born Ronald Moodnick, he was the son of Jewish immigrants, and didn't come to acting until ater a stint in the RAF and a spell at the London School of Economics, where acting in revue shows became a passion. In later life he became familiar to television audiences through his voice work on animated series The Animals Of Farthing Wood and in the guest role of Edwin in EastEnders.

His widow Therese told the BBC: "He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end."

He is also survived by their six children.

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