Unforgiven actor Anthony James dies aged 77 from cancer

Actor Anthony James has sadly died at the age of 77.

The star, who’s best known for his role in Unforgiven, died of cancer, according to his obiturary, on Tuesday (26 May). He was two days short of his 78th birthday.

Anthony starred alongside Clint Eastwood in 1992 movie Unforgiven, and was well known for his many roles in Westerns.

He first saw success in Hollywood at the age of 26 with his movie In The Heat Of The Night, with the film winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1968.

During his decades-long career, Anthony appeared in movies including Tick, Tick, Tick, Vanashing Point, and High Plains Drifter.

He was also accomplished in the TV world, appearing in series including Hawaii Five-O, Knight Rider and the A-Team.

His last credited role was in Unforgiven, after which he retired.

He went on to focus on painting and poetry in his retirement, selling pieces to galleries around the world, and publishing books of his poetry.

Tributes have been pouring in for the star, with one fan writing on Twitter: ‘SAD FAREWELL Anthony James was the creepiest of bad guys in movies like IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER and BURNT OFFERINGS, among others.

‘Offscreen he was friendly and affable, the opposite of the characters he usually played. Anthony died at age 77 on May 26.’

‘RIP Anthony James. A hell of a presence,’ another said, while one more added: ‘Anthony James, one of the most recognizable character actors of his age and a top-shelf That Guy, has died, age 77. #RIP.’

His obituary states that he was not survived by siblings or children, but by ‘his many friends, including the ones who sat with him and cared for and comforted him at home in his final months and days.’

Instead of flowers, people are being asked to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in the actor’s memory.

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