Entertainment
Gladiator and Braveheart actor Mike Mitchell dies aged 65
Mike Mitchell has died aged 65 (Picture: Jody Cortes)
Mike Mitchell, who was famous for appearing in Gladiator and Braveheart, has died at the age of 65.
The actor died on Friday on a boat in Turkey, with reports initially stating ‘natural causes’, which was later revealed to be a heart attack according to TMZ.
Mitchell’s representative told TMZ: ‘It was very hard to believe … The sudden death of an international actor we managed, an honest person, a real actor, a true friend, my dear friend, has saddened us deeply.
‘I’ve always been honoured to be your manager. I wish patience to you wife, dear Denise Mitchell, and your children. Getting to know you and gaining your friendship is invaluable. Sleep in the lights. RIP.’
Mitchell began his career in the Armed Forces before taking up as a bodybuilder, winning Mr Universe as well as a number of World Fitness Federation’s Fitness World Championships, and competed in Britain’s Strongest Man.
He won five Masters Mr. World titles and was awarded the WWF’s Living Legend Award, their highest honour, in 2010.
The actor had also been a hugely successful bodybuilder (Picture: Entertainment One/Jody Cortes)
Mitchell had his acting break in 1994 when he was cast in Braveheart alongside Mel Gibson thanks to his imposing physical appearance, with the film winning five Academy Awards including best picture and best director.
He then went on to star in 2000’s Ridley Scott-directed Gladiator alongside Russell Crowe, which also won five Oscars, as well as The Planet and Emmerdale among others.
More: Russell Crowe
The actor and his wife had lived on a boat in Turkey in recent years including at the time of his death, and he had previously suffered a heart attack in 2006 after winning his fifth World Fitness title.
According to Mitchell’s IMDB account, he was due to star in several upcoming films still currently in pre-production.
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