Harry Potter and Indiana Jones Villain Michael Byrne Dead at 82

Michael Byrne, a British character actor with a long resume of memorable villains, has died. Byrne starred in a wide variety of popular movies, including entries in the Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and James Bond franchises. Byrne was 82.

Born in London, England on November 7, 1943, Byrne had a successful stage career, joining the National Theatre in 1964. He made his screen debut in the English Civil War epic The Scarlet Blade, alongside Oliver Reed. With his sharp features, blond hair, and piercing blue eyes, he was often cast as villains, and especially as nefarious Nazi officers; as the World War II movie was an ever-popular genre in British film during the latter half of the 20th century, Byrne was always in demand. That included roles in Force 10 From Navarone, The Eagle Has Landed, and, in one of his more famous roles, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.