'Dragon Tattoo' star Michael Nyqvist dead at 56

June 28 (UPI) -- Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist died this week at age 56

Nyqvist died while "quietly surrounded by family" Tuesday after having lung cancer for about a year, the star's rep said in a statement to Variety.

"Michael's joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him," the rep added. "His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him."

Nyqvist was known for playing Mikael Blomkvist in the Swedish adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels. He also starred in the films Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and John Wick.

British actor Gerard Butler was among those to mourn Nyqvist's death online. The pair will co-star in the forthcoming movie Hunter Killer, which is in post-production but has yet to set a release date.

"It feels important to send my condolences because of all the movies I've made, he's right up there -- one of my favorites, if not my favorite -- in terms of somebody who just had such incredible talent and childlike qualities and playfulness. But more than anything, such an incredible humility and warmth," Butler said in a video post.

"You watch somebody like that and you see how he handles himself with such dignity and integrity and fun, like he still loves what he does," Butler added. "It breaks my heart."

Nyqvist is survived by his wife, production designer Catharina Ehrnrooth, and their two children, Ellen and Arthur.