United Kingdom, May 11 -- Michael Pennington, the distinguished Shakespearean actor who famously turned down a Hollywood role opposite Meryl Streep in order to play Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has died aged 82 after a six-decade career spanning stage, television, film and writing.

The acclaimed actor chose not to appear alongside Meryl in The French Lieutenant's Woman in 1980 because he refused to abandon the opportunity to play Hamlet - a role he regarded as one of theatre's greatest prizes.

Michael's death was reported by the Daily Telegraph on Sunday (10.05.26.)

His elegant diction and intellectual performances made him one of Britain's most respected classical actors, and he became closely associated with Shakespeare ...