Ironworks Gaming Forum - Marlon Brando dies at the age of 80

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Legendary actor Marlon Brando, one of the greatest Hollywood has ever seen, has died at the age of 80.

The acclaimed star, who won Oscars for his riveting performances in The Godfather and On the Waterfront, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital.

A grossly overweight recluse who was known to be in poor health, Brando's final years were markedly different from his time as an influential actor who brought Method acting into the American mainstream.

His lawyer David J Seeley said the cause of death was being withheld and that funeral arrangements were not being disclosed, adding that the actor "was a very private man".

Earlier this year Brando was seen being pushed in a wheelchair and breathing with the help of an oxygen mask. He was struck down with pneumonia in 2002.

Film director Michael Winner paid tribute to the star, who he directed in the 1972 film The Nightcomers, as the most "marvellous, witty and loyal" friend he had ever had.

Although Brando was known for his eccentric on set behaviour and his dislike of learning his words, Winner said: "He had a reputation for being strange and difficult,

"I worked with him. He was the most professional, helpful and punctual actor I ever came across.

"He always knew his lines. A joy to have on the set or at dinner. He was no trouble at all.

"As a companion he was a total delight. Full of pranks he would play on me."

He added: "At least he is now at rest."

British actor Terence Stamp, who appeared with Brando in Superman, paid tribute to the star.

"Marlon Brando was a rare diamond," he said.

"He had it all yet didn't take himself or life too seriously. He was also the funniest guy.

Brando suffered ill health in later life

"Brando, who was said to live in a shabby bungalow in west Los Angeles, was famed for the role of ruthless Mafia family boss Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather in 1972.

His other well-known parts included the deranged Colonel Kurtz in the Vietnam film Apocalypse Now in 1979 and his appearance in the sexually explicit Last Tango In Paris in 1972.

He won his first Oscar for the portrayal of washed-up boxer Terry Malloy in On The Waterfront in 1954, where he uttered the immortal line "I could have been a contender".

Early intense performances in the Fifties included A Streetcar Named Desire, where he played Stanley alongside Vivien Leigh's Blanche, and The Wild One, as rebel biker gang leader Johnny.

The Wild One saw Brando deliver his famous "Whataya got" line to the question "What're you rebelling against, Johnny?"

Despite his past Hollywood successes, Brando was said to have been £11m in debt and living on social security payments, his pension from the Screen Actors Guild and small residuals from his acting work.

His fear of debt collectors had allegedly prompted him to hide his precious Oscars.

A turbulent personal life saw him marry three times and father 11 children.

Publicist Max Clifford, who represented Brando in the 1980s, described him as "mean, moody and magnificent".

"He was very self contained. He was a difficult person to get to know," he said.

"He would take it all in and not say much and you would only know he wasn't enjoying it when he would get up and leave."

Clifford added: "I always found him very quiet. He was not someone I ever got close to. Mean, moody and magnificent - that comes to mind. He kind of epitomised the roles he played."