Representatives for Greif wrote in a statement on Twitter, “With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif. His extensive career included numerous roles on screen and stage, including at the National Theatre, RSC and in the West End. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family and friends x.” No cause of death has been reported. Greif most recently appeared in The Crown Season 4 as Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Greif starred in the 1970s sci-fi series Blake’s 7 and Tales of the Unexpected, in addition to being a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s. He previously appeared in the 2005 film Casanova and in a 1974 ABC televised production of The Merchant of Venice, in which he played the Duke of Morocco—in blackface. The thespian is survived by two sons. Next, here’s everything to know about The Crown Season 6.

 The Crown  Star Stephen Greif Dead at 78 - 26