‘Allo ‘Allo’ actor Sam Kelly dies, aged 70

English actor Sam Kelly has died at the age of 70.

Kelly, best known for his roles as Captain Hans Geering in ‘Allo ‘Allo and Bunny Warren in Porridge, passed away yesterday (June 14) following a long illness.

In a statement to the BBC, his agent said:

“Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought. He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession.”

More recently, the Manchester-born actor made appearances in BBC sitcoms My Family and Outnumbered, as well as on EastEnders and the Channel 4 comedy Black Books.

He rejoined the cast of the West End production of Wicked in 2013, playing the Wizard, but had to step down from the role in January of this year due to ill health. He had previously appeared in the West End production of Wicked in 2009 and 2010.

A number of celebrities have paid tribute to the actor on Twitter since news of his passing broke, including Stephen Fry and Robert Lindsay. See their tweets below.

Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly’s death. He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalagluft I made with Nick Lyndhurst…

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 14, 2014

Feel so depressed about the amazing Sam Kelly’s passing how do we manage a second comic musical tonight?we dedicate it to him RIP

— Robert Lindsay (@RobertLindsay) June 14, 2014