British actor John Mills dies at age 97

DENHAM, England, April 23 (UPI) -- British actor, John Mills, who appeared in 125 movies, died Saturday at his home near London, at the age of 97.

The BBC said Mills, who starred in "Great Expectations," "War and Peace" and "Ryan's Daughter" died after a short illness, the trustees of his estate reported. He won an Oscar for role in "Ryan's Daughter."

Mills was born, Feb. 22, 1908, and attended the Watts Naval Training College. Discovered by Noel Coward, his 1929 appearance as Hamlet at the Old Vic Theatre in London established him as an actor.

Although his eyesight failed almost completely in 1990s, he continued to act and appeared in "Lights2" in 2005. He was knighted in 1976.

At age 92, he and wife Mary, age 89, renewed their marriage vows after 60 years of marriage at St. Mary's Church, in Denham, England.

Mills is the father of actresses Juliet Mills and Hayley Mills. He also had a son, Jonathan.

His grandson, Crispian Mills, is lead singer of Kula Shaker.