Paul Bhattacharjee, a British actor who appeared in the James Bond movie Casino Royale, was found dead in East Sussex. He had not been seen for more than a day before his body was discovered.
The BBC reports that the 53-year-old was last seen on July 10 as he left the Royal Court theatre in London. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that his body was found in Seaford, East Sussex on July 12. His family was contacted and police aren’t treated the death as suspicious.
According to People, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel actor had been rehearsing for the play Talk Show at the Royal Court theatre. The role was recast and the play opened Wednesday night.
“We are deeply shocked and completely devastated at the loss of our dear friend and brilliant colleague,” Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre Vicky Featherstone told the BBC. “Paul has been such an important part of the world of theatre in so many ways and we shall miss him terribly.”
Rahul Bhattacharjee-Prashar, Bhattacharjee's 24-year-old son, spoke with the London Standard before it was confirmed that his father had died. He called the disappearance “completely out of character” and pleaded for his father to make contact with his family. “Please, we are just worried sick,” Bhattacharjee-Prashar said.
People notes that several friends went to Twitter to remember Bhattacharjee. “Very sad to hear the news about Paul Bhattacharjee. My thoughts are with his loved ones,” Bend It Like Beckham actress Parminder Nagra tweeted.
Bhattacharjee had a role as a doctor in Casino Royale and appeared in John Madden’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel last year. He also had a role on the U.K. series EastEnders.