Actor Ian Richardson dies suddenly at 72

LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) Laconic actor Ian Richardson, famed for his role as the arch manipulator in the BBC political drama ''House of Cards'', has died suddenly at the age of 72, his agent today said.

Richardson, one of the founding members of the Royal Shakespeare Company, first gained nationwide notoriety in the spy drama ''Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy'' based on the John Le Carre espionage classic.

The actor, who died in his sleep at his London home in the early hours of the morning, had been due to start filming shortly on an episode of the TV detective drama ''Midsomer Murders.'' Reuters SY RN1851