(Photo: Getty Images)

Stephen Greif, the prolific British actor known for his roles in Blake's 7, The Crown, and Citizen Smith, has died at age 78.

His talent agency Michelle Braidman Associates announced the sad news on Twitter, writing: "With great sadness we announce the death of our wonderful client Stephen Greif.

"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."

Grief starred in the first season of the BBC's cult Sci-fi series Blake's 7, which premiered in 1978. His character Travis was a space commander whose dedication came hand in hand with a cold streak. During the same period, Greif starred opposite Robert Lindsay in the hit BBC sitcom Citizen Smith, which centred on a wannabe political activist living in South London.

He also starred alongside Ian McShane in the 1979 heist thriller The Great Riviera Bank Robbery. A still of Greif and McShane in the film appears at the top of this article.

More recently, Greif had a supporting role opposite Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller in the 2005 movie Casanova and portrayed Sir Bernard Weatherill, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in 2020's fourth season of The Crown. 

His impressive 136 acting credits on IMDb also included appearances in British TV mainstays such as Coronation Street, Silent Witness, Waking the Dead, Spooks, and Birds of a Feather. You can check out his showreel below.

Among Greif's numerous stage credits was an Olivier Award-nominated performance in a 1978 West End production of Death of a Salesman. London's Evening Standard reports that he is survived by his twin sons, Joseph and Daniel.

Rest in Peace, Stephen Greif, and thank you for your contribution.