Lewis Collins dead at 67

Beloved British actor Lewis Collins has died at the age of 67 after a five-year battle with cancer. Collins passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (27Nov13).
He was best known for playing Bodie in 1970s cult crime drama series The Professionals, alongside Martin Shaw, and for his role as a special forces soldier in 1982 movie Who Dares Wins.
Shaw paid tribute to his co-star following the news of his death on Thursday (28Nov13), saying, “I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died. We spent a tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British television.
“He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him.”
Collins was born in Liverpool, England in 1946 and earned his living as drummer in local bands and as a hairdresser before becoming an actor.
After his role in The Professionals, he enjoyed various parts in hit U.K. TV shows including cop drama The Bill and fantasy series Robin Hood.
He married his wife Michelle Larrett in 1992 and the couple had three sons, Oliver, Elliot and Cameron.