Paltrow's father dies in Italy

Producer and director Bruce Paltrow, the father of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, has died in Italy, aged 58.

A US diplomatic official said Mr Paltrow died in Rome, and that the American consulate had been informed of the death today.

“The consular section of the embassy was contacted by the hospital where Mr Paltrow died. It is the embassy’s responsibility to help with the return of the remains,” the official said, adding no further details.

Paltrow, who was the husband of actress Blythe Danner, was best known for the film Duets and the TV series St Elsewhere.

He suffered a heart attack and died at a Rome hospital before dawn on Wednesday, the Entertainment Tonight TV programme reported.

Paltrow, who had been battling throat cancer, travelled from his Los Angeles home to Italy to celebrate his daughter’s 30th birthday on September 27, the show said.

He had made several public appearances in Italy in the last week, including at the Italian premiere of the film Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise.