Frank Finlay Dies

Porthos Passes Away

♦News has come from Variety that British film and TV actor Frank Finlay has died at the age of 89. Probably best known for The Three and Four Musketeers, here is his obituary from Variety

British actor Frank Finlay, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in Othello and starred in the Three Musketeers films of the ’70s, died Saturday, according to a message on his official website. He was 89.

“We are very saddened to announce that Frank died today 30 January 2016 at home surrounded by his family,” reads the statement. “He was a fine actor and will be very much missed by his friends and family.”

Finlay starred alongside Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain and Michael York in 1973’s The Three Musketeers before returning as Porthos for “The Four Musketeers: Milday’s Revenge” in 1974. He would go on to reprise his role in the 1989 film “The Return of the Musketeers.”

The actor also appeared in the Richard Roundtree sequel “Shaft in Africa.” His TV credits include starring in “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” with Susan Penhaligon and in Dennis Potter serial “Casanova.”

He scored a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role in “Othello” opposite Laurence Olivier in 1965. He was given a CBE gong in 1984, and won BAFTA Awards for his work as Sancho Panza in “The Adventures of Don Quixote” and as Volaire in “Candide,” both BBC plays of the month.

His grandson, Josh Coombes, a drummer for the band Tigress, paid tribute to Finlay on his Twitter, calling him “funny, loving, amazing storyteller, inspiration & one of the best actors this country has ever seen.”

Finlay was married to Doreen Shepherd for 50 years until her death in 2005. The couple had three children together.

Source: Frank Finlay Variety obituary

The Three Musketeers / The Four Musketeers (Double Pack) [Blu-ray] [Region Free]