British actor David Warner, who was known for his roles in “Titanic,” “The Omen,” and “TRON,” died over the weekend from a cancer-related illness at a residential home in London, his family said in a statement.
“Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity,” his family said in a statement. “He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years. We are heartbroken.”
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Warner, 80, played in several roles in the Star Trek franchise, including St. John Talbot in “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” Klingon Chancellor Gorkon in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,” and Gul Madred on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
He also played Keith Jennings in the 1976 film “The Omen” and ape Senator Sandar in “Planet of the Apes.” The report noted that Warner stayed away from acting for nearly 30 years due to “a bout with stage fright” before he returned to the stage in 2001.
One of Warner’s top roles came in the 1997 hit movie “Titanic” where he played an antagonist role as Spicer Lovejoy, the bodyguard and personal assistant of Caledon Hockley. In the movie, Lovejoy framed Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, for theft by placing a diamond necklace in his jacket.
“So glad to have been able to express my admiration for David Warner’s incredible versatility and career in our time together on set,” actor Lin-Manuel Miranda said in response to Warner’s death. “Even talked him into doing a Random Roles interview with @NonStopPop, because my goodness, what a life and legacy.”
So glad to have been able to express my admiration for David Warner's incredible versatility and career in our time together on set. Even talked him into doing a Random Roles interview with @NonStopPop, because my goodness, what a life and legacy. ❤️ -LMM https://t.co/iqETAVZjgP pic.twitter.com/jXdTO9B2OM
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 25, 2022
Director Edgar Wright responded to Warner’s death by saying, “Very sad to hear of David Warner’s passing, an actor with a huge legacy on stage & screen and unforgettable roles in; Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment, Straw Dogs, From Beyond The Grave, The Omen, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Tron, Titanic and much more.”
“He will be missed,” Wright added.
Very sad to hear of David Warner's passing, an actor with a huge legacy on stage & screen and unforgettable roles in; Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment, Straw Dogs, From Beyond The Grave, The Omen, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Tron, Titanic and much more. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/sBh4VVvEfH
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 25, 2022
This report has been updated to include additional information.