Actor Richard Marner from `You Only Live Twice` dies aged 82

Actor Richard Marner, who appeared in "You Only Live Twice", has died at the age of 82, his agent Lynda Ronan said.

Marner played the role of the Russian space capsule communicator in the 1967 Sean Connery outing "You Only Live Twice".



Marner, whose real name was Alexander Molchanoff, was born in Russia but came to the UK as a child.

He died in Scotland and leaves a wife, Pauline, a daughter and a grandchild.

He is probably best known for his role as German officer Colonel Von Strohm in the sitcom `Allo `Allo, set in occupied France during the Second World War.

Ms Ronan, who said Marner had appeared in every episode of `Allo `Allo, said: "His credits speak for themselves. He was one of the most charming, witty, humorous people you could hope to meet. He spoke four languages and could make a brilliant joke in all of them."

Marner launched his acting career after being invalided out of the RAF.

He spent several years touring England in theatre productions and first appeared in the West End at The Stoll in Robert Stolz`s Rainbow Square.

Marner also appeared in the films The African Queen, alongside Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, as well as Reach for the Sky, Oh Rosalinda, Miracle in Soho, Ice Cold in Alex and The Pass Word is Courage.

Thanks to Allen for the alert.

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