Rod Steiger Dies

Oscar-winning actor Rod Steiger has died in Los Angeles at the age of 77. The actor succumbed to pneumonia and kidney failure last night while in hospital recovering from gall bladder surgery. With more than 120 films to his name, Steiger's career saw highlights with roles in Al Capone, Dr Zhivago, The Pawnbroker and perhaps his most famous role as Marlon Brando's older brother Charley in On The Waterfront. Despite a few hiccups - an ill-advised turn as Father Kovak in End of Days - Steiger's career will be fondly remembered, not least of all by the Academy who officially recognised his talents in 1968 when he walked away with the Best Actor Oscar for In The Heat of The Night. Once asked how he would like to die, Steiger said: "I don't want to, but if it's in front of a camera, I wouldn't mind."