Marlon Brando dies

Legendary actor Marlon Brando has died at the age of 80, it was announced tonight.

The acclaimed Hollywood star, who won Oscars for his roles in The Godfather and On the Waterfront, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital, his lawyer said.

Brando, an overweight recluse, was known to be in poor health and earlier this year 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, describing him as the most "marvellous", "witty" and "loyal" friend he had ever had.

Brando regarded by many as the greatest actor of his generation, was the original angry young man of cinema.

His electrifying performances in A Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront were unlike anything Hollywood had seen before.

Two decades on his Oscar-winning role in The Godfather sealed his status as a screen legend.

But Brando's life was marred by tragedy, and his later years were a tale of sad decline. He became a recluse, and his rare film appearances were overshadowed by tales of his eccentric behaviour on set.

The one-time sex symbol became grossly overweight, his brooding good looks a distant memory.

Days before his death it emerged that he was existing on social security and a pension from the Screen Actors Guild, with debts of £11 million.

It was a sad end to the life of a Hollywood icon.