Postlethwaite

LONDON — Oscar-nominated British actor Pete Postlethwaite, described by director Steven Spielberg as “the best actor in the world,” has died at age 64 after a long battle with cancer.

Longtime friend and journalist Andrew Richardson said today that Postlethwaite died in a hospital Sunday.

A gritty and powerful actor, Postlethwaite was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the 1993 film “In The Name Of The Father.”

He had recently been seen in the acclaimed film “Inception” and had worked with Spielberg on “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Amistad.”

Postlethwaite initially planned to become a priest but was drawn to acting.

He received an OBE in 2004 along with many other honors for his long career in movies, theater, and television.