Dam Busters star dies at 90

DISTINGUISHED actor Richard Todd, best known for his role in the classic war film The Dam Busters, has died at the age of 90.

His spokeswoman said Dublin-born Todd, died on Thursday night.

She said in a statement: “He had been suffering from cancer, an illness that he bore with his habitual courage and dignity. His family were with him throughout.”

In his heyday, Todd was one of British cinema’s biggest box office draws.

He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1949.

He was the first choice of author Ian Fleming to play James Bond, but he had to turn it down. The role went to Sean Connery.