Sir Donald Sinden Dies at the Age of 90

   LONDON — British actor Donald Sinden, who was known best for his comedy roles, has died at the age

of 90.

   Sinden had more than 70 credits for film and TV productions since the late 1940s, but also had a stellar stage career.

   His son, actor and director Marc Sinden, said his father only had a total of five weeks unemployment between 1942 and 2008.

   Sinden’s first film perf was in 1953 naval drama “The Cruel Sea,” and he went on to appear in some 30 films. He was best known as the star of hit comedies such as “Doctor in the House” and “Doctor at Large.”

   The TV series in which he appeared included the sitcoms “Never the Twain” and “Two’s Company.” More recently he played in crime drama “Judge John Deed.”

   On stage, he took many leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company such as King Lear and Malvolio in “Twelfth Night.”

   Sinden recently presented TV documentary series “Great West End Theaters.”

   He was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979 on the Queen's honour list and then knighted in 1997 for his services to drama.

   Sinden, who had prostate cancer, died at his home in Romney Marsh, Kent, England.

   Sinden leaves behind his son, his four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.