British actor Richard Johnson dies, age 87

English actor Richard Johnson in one of his films, circa 1965. Photo / Getty Images

British actor Richard Johnson, who starred in film, theatre and television, has died at the age of 87.

The star died after a short illness at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, the BBC reports.

Johnson's career spanned 60 years, and he featured in many films, including the 2008 movie Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, and Khartoum in 1966 alongside Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier.

He was a founding member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and played several lead roles including Romeo and Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar.

His TV credits included Doc Martin, Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders.

Johnson, who was born in Upminster, east London, is survived by his wife Lynne, who he married in 2004, and his four children.

- AAP