Actor Stephen Greif has died aged 78, his agent has confirmed with fans instantly flocking to social media to pay tribute to the late star who appeared in Blake's 7

Actor Stephen Greif has died at the age of 78.

The star is best-known for his roles in The Crown and Blake’s 7, and also appeared in soaps including Coronation Street and EastEnders.

Stephen's death was announced on Monday by Michelle Braidman Associates, who represented him.

They wrote in a statement on Twitter that they would ‘miss him dearly,’ saying they were announcing the news ‘with great sadness.’

However, the Hertfordshire born actor was already well established having starred alongside Robert Lindsay in the hugely popular sitcom Citizen Smith, playing shady pub owner Harry Fenning alongside Lindsay's titular Marxist across three series.

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.' 

The actor's other notable credits included fleeting roles in long-running soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders, seventies spy drama The Sandbaggers, Waking The Dead, The Witcher and Doctor Who. 

Commenting on his death, Bleak House and Sherlock actor Phil Davies wrote: 'Very sad, a very fine actor and a kind and sensitive man. We played a bit of golf together. RIP.'  

Actress Judy Jarvis added: 'Devastated to hear that the brilliant actor, & fascinating erudite man, Stephen Greif has died.

I absolutely loved working with him way back in Citizen Smith, & especially catching up with him several times since. Condolences & sympathy to his family & friends.' 

Actor David Kennedy also paid tribute to the star, writing: 'Such sad news. I worked with Stephen only once at the NT. He was a consummate professional and an absolute gent. RIP sir and condolences to his family.'

Elsewhere Doctor Who actor Barnaby Edwards added: 'A rock-solid performer with a voice as liquid and deadly as molten lava. When it came to playing villains, he was unsurpassed.

'His acerbic wit and obvious intelligence made him a joy to direct. Thanks for the fun, Stephen.

Born in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, Greif attended and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and went on to become a member of the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and Southbank.

After starring in numerous stage productions throughout the 1960s and early ’70s, he made the transition to screen – landing the role of space commander Travis in Blake’s 7.

The show ran from 1978 to 1981, with Greif starring alongside Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating and Sally Knyvette.

He also played Signor Donato in Casanova and Commander John Shepherd in Shoot On Sight before landing one of his final roles as Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill in series four of The Crown in 2020.