'Dynasty' Actor Christopher Cazenove Dead at 64

By PopEater Staff Posted Apr 8th 2010 08:56AM

Christopher Cazenove of Dynasty dies of septicemia

The 'Dynasty' TV family has lost another member. British actor Christopher Cazenove, who played Ben Carrington on the popular 1980s soap opera, died Wednesday after a losing battle with septicemia, said a family statement. He was 64. The news follows the loss of John Forsythe, who played Cazenove's brother on the long-running show.

Cazenove contracted the blood poisoning condition at the end of February and quickly sought treatment at a London hospital to fend of the deadly infection. Sadly, despite a "valiant fight ... he was overwhelmed," his family said.

"All who knew and loved him will be devastated by the loss of this incredible man who touched so many lives," read the statement, released by his agent Lesley Duff.

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The classically trained actor is best known in his native country for playing British aristocrats in a string of TV shows there, but American audiences will forever remember him as the scheming, estranged member of the Carrington family on 'Dynasty.'

His film credits include '3 Men and a Little Lady' and 'A Knight's Tale,' in which he played the father of Heath Ledger's character.

Cazenove was married to actress Angharad Rees for more than 20 years and they had two sons. The eldest, Linford, was killed in a car crash in 1999 at age 25.