Ron Moody as Fagin in Oliver!

It was announced today that famed film and stage actor Ron Moody has died aged 91.

Born Ronald Moodnick in North London on January 8, 1924, Ron had originally set his sights on being an economist and did not look at acting as a career until his late twenties.

Ron will always be known for playing the part of Fagin in Lionel Bart's musical Oliver!. "Fate destined me to play Fagin. It was the part of a lifetime," he said. Ron played the role in the West End and on Broadway before bringing the character to the silver screen in the movie adaptation.

In an interview with the Guardian Moody said "My proudest moment was the number Reviewing the Situation. I suspect that, because I gave my all to the role, and because I was working with such a fine team of people, it inhibited my future career," he added.

"I turned down quite a few offers afterwards because I thought the people didn't come close to those

I'd worked with on Oliver! - which in retrospect was a mistake."

Ron was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe for the role.

Other notable roles in his career included Captain Hook, the title role in Sherlock Holmes the musical, and films including Murder Most Foul, Legend Of The Werewolf and The Spaceman.

Hi widow Therese said "He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end," she said.