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How did David Warner die? Actor, 80, had appeared in 'Titanic' and 'The Omen'

Besides 'Titanic', Warner appeared in US television shows like 'Star Trek' and 'Doctor Who'

Veteran British actor David Warner, who played versatile characters in Shakespearean tragedies and sci-fi or classic dramas, died on Sunday, July 24. He was 80. Warner was best known for his role in 'The Omen', 'Tron', and playing villainous Spicer Lovejoy in James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster 'Titanic'.

Warner's family shared the news of his death in a statement. The actor died from cancer-related illness at Denville Hall, a retirement home for British actors and notable entertainment industry figures in London. "It is with an overwhelmingly heavy heart that we share the news of the actor David Warner's (at the age of nearly 81) death from a cancer-related illness in the early hours of July 24th," his family said in a statement to BBC. Warner's death came after one year of his cancer diagnosis.

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Warner was a "well-respected stage, television, voice, and film actor" whose career included "era-defining" theatrical pursuits in addition to the screen performances for which he is widely recognized. "Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity," the statement continued. "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."

Fans mourned and celebrated Warner's life and career on social media. Many celebrities paid tribute to Warner for his life achievements and contribution to the film industry and also paid their condolences to the late actor. Actress and Warner's partner Lisa Bowerman wrote a message to Warner saying, "Goodnight my sweet prince," she wrote. "May flights of angels… Heartbroken."

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lee Kern wrote, "Sad to learn of David Warner’s death. His performance as “Evil” in Time Bandits thrilled & exhilarated. Total immersion & truly Evil in the most charismatic & magnetic way. My brother has an original Time Bandits screenplay signed by him & Kenny Baker (Fidget & R2D2)".

Actor and long-time co-actor of Warner, Bruce Boxleitner wrote, "I met David Warner in 1981 when I was cast alongside him in TRON. I was thrilled to work with him because I was a fan. He made me laugh each time we saw one another. I'll always remember his incredibly dry wit. He'll be missed at all TRON-related events, and in life. -BB".

"Very sorry to learn of David Warner's death. A very fine and talented actor who was simultaneously instantly recognizable while deftly disappearing into whatever role he was playing - even when frankly, the material was lacking. He leaves an outstanding body of work overall", another wrote.

Warner's life and career

Warner was born in 1941 in Manchester and his parents never married. Growing up, Warner spent his time in the care of both of his parents and described his childhood as “troubled” and “messy”. His Russian-Jewish father enrolled him in a series of boarding schools. He revealed that his mother left him when he was a teenager.

Following high school, he attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Warner was self-conscious about his acting ability and appearance from the start. He never imagined himself as a leading man because he was tall (6 foot 2) and rangy. He was cast as the lead in Karel Reisz's critically acclaimed film 'Morgan', 'A Suitable Case For Treatment' after joining the Royal Shakespeare Company at the age of 21, and the RSC cast him as 'Hamlet' in 1965.

Warner focused on film acting, especially playing villains such as in Terry Gilliams' 'Time Bandits', the time-travel sci-fi 'Time After Time', and the groundbreaking computer adventure 'Tron'. He collaborated on three films with Sam Peckinpah: 'The Ballad of Cable Hogue', 'Straw Dogs', and 'Cross of Iron'. Other notable appearances included 'The Omen' and 'The Man With Two Brains'.

In 1987, Warner moved to Hollywood where he lived for 15 years. Besides Titanic, he was regularly seen in US Television shows from 'Star Trek' to 'Doctor Who', 'Twin Peaks' and 'The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse'. He recently played Admiral Boon in Disney revamp, 'Mary Poppins Returns'. In 2005 he also returned to the stage to play 'King Lear' in Chichester.

Warner is survived by his partner Bowerman and two children Melissa Warner and Luke Warner.