French actor Tchéky Karyo, who had a starring role in the film Nikita and the TV series The Missing, has died aged 72.
Karyo, who was born in Turkey but grew up in Paris, died of a cancer on Friday, AFP news agency reported.
Known largely for supporting roles, Karyo acted in films for nearly four decades, finding a second career in TV series in his final years.
Karyo's wife, actress Valérie Keruzoré, and their children announced his death in a statement to the news agency.
Karyo first made his mark in crime thriller La Balance (1982) and he played the handler Bob in Luc Besson's assassin film Nikita (1990).
BBC audiences might best remember him for his role in The Missing (2014), where he portrayed French detective Julien Baptiste.
The series centered around the search for a missing boy in France, featuring an ensemble cast including James Nesbitt and Frances O'Connor as the boy's parents.
Critically acclaimed, both series led to a spin-off titled Baptiste, which aired in 2019.
Lindsay Salt, the Director of BBC Drama, expressed deep sorrow over Karyo's passing, highlighting his brilliance as an actor and his fondness among viewers.
Karyo was born on October 4, 1953, in Istanbul, to a Turkish lorry driver of Spanish-Jewish origin and a Greek mother.
His role in La Balance earned him a César Award nomination, paving the way for a flourishing acting career.
He starred in various genres of films, including Besson's Joan of Arc (1993) and A Very Long Engagement (2004), as well as Ridley Scott's 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) and the Bond film GoldenEye (1995).
His portrayal of Nostradamus in the 1994 film of the same name stands out as one of his significant roles, while his fleeting appearance in Amélie (2001) showcased his versatility.
