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'Casino Royale' actor found dead near English cliffs

Paul Bhattacharjee, who had roles in "Casino Royale" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," has been found dead at age 53. Bhattacharjee's body was found near the Splash Point cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, England on July 12, the BBC reports.Bhattacharjee had last been seen leaving rehearsal for the London play "Talk Show" on July 10. His death is not being treated as suspicious, although authori
IMAGE: Paul Bhattacharjee
Paul Bhattacharjee was found dead at age 53.Photoshot / Today

Paul Bhattacharjee, who had roles in "Casino Royale" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," has been found dead at age 53. Bhattacharjee's body was found near the Splash Point cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, England on July 12, the BBC reports.

Bhattacharjee had last been seen leaving rehearsal for the London play "Talk Show" on July 10. His death is not being treated as suspicious, although authorities would not reveal the cause of death.

The actor played a doctor in "Casino Royale," the 2006 film that introduced Daniel Craig as James Bond. He was also known in England for his theater work and his role on the British soap, "EastEnders."

Actress Parminder Nagra tweeted, "Very sad to hear the news about Paul Bhattacharjee. My thoughts are with his loved ones."

"We are deeply shocked and completely devastated at the loss of our dear friend and brilliant colleague Paul," said Vicky Featherstone, artistic director of London's Royal Court Theater, where "Talk Show" was being performed. "We can’t even begin to imagine the impact his loss will have on everyone who knew him and all of our thoughts are with his loved ones."

Before Bhattacharjee's body was found, his son, Rahul Bhattacharjee-Prashar, 24, told the London Evening Standard that the family was "worried sick." He called his father's disappearance "completely out of character," saying "He was doing well in his career and everything seemed to be going okay."

Paul Billington, theater critic for the London Guardian, wrote that "Bhattacharjee was one of those actors whose name on a programme gave you the reassuring sense that you were in safe hands."

Bhattacharjee is survived by his son and his mother.