British actor George Cole dies at 90

British Actor George Cole, best known for his role as Arthur Daley, a con man on the television show, Minder, died Wednesday. He was 90.

Cole died surrounded by his family after a short illness at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, according to his agent Derek Webster.

According to Fox News, Cole’s career spanned over seven decades between stage and screen. After his first stage appearance in 1939, Cole went on to star in over 40 films including the 1963 film, Cleopatra, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Cole was best known, however, for his role on the ITV show, Minder. From 1979 to 1994 Cole portrayed the cigar-smoking, expensive car-driving Arthur Daley, a role that got him nominated twice for best actor by the British Academy of Film and Television. He also appeared with his mentor, Alastair Sim, in numerous movies including Cottage to Let and 1951’s, A Christmas Carol.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Penny, and four children.

Dennis Waterman, Cole’s co-star on Minder, said according to Yahoo, “I’m grateful to have been a friend to this wonderful man. We worked together for many years and my boast is that we laughed all day every day. He was an amazing man, a wonderful actor and besotted with his family. I had the privilege of spending Tuesday afternoon with him and Penny and although very frail his wit was as evident as ever. Farewell old friend.”