Ron Moody, best known for his portrayal of Fagin in the 1968 Charles Dickens adaptation** Oliver!**, has passed away at the age of 91, his family has announced.
As well as earning a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination for his role as the infamous miser, Moody's career also saw him play EastEnders' Edwin Caldecott and legendary wizard Merlin in both 1995's **A Kid in King Arthur's Court **and 1979's Unidentified Flying Oddball.
It is as Fagin he will be best remembered, however, a part he not only played in Carol Reed's classic film but also on stage both in the West End and on Broadway. "Fate destined me to play Fagin. It was the part of a lifetime," he told The Guardian in 2012.
Born Ronald Moodnick in Tottenham on January 8, 1924, his casting as Dickens' villain changed his life immeasurably, earning him a host of job offers afterwards, some of which he turned down, including The Doctor in Doctor Who.
"He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed," said his widow, Therese. "He was singing until the end."