Actor Mike Mitchell, who appeared in “Gladiator” and “Braveheart,” has died at the age of 65, TMZ reports.
According to the report, the death of Mike Mitchell was announced by his rep. who said the actor/bodybuilder died Friday on a boat in Turkey.
The family says they believe he suffered death from natural causes, although they weren’t more specific, TMZ reports.
The rep said: “It was very hard to believe … The sudden death of an international actor we managed, an honest person, a real actor, a true friend, my dear friend, has saddened us deeply. I’ve always been honored to be your manager. I wish patience to you wife, dear Denise Mitchell, and your children. Getting to know you and gaining your friendship is invaluable. Sleep in the lights. RIP.”
Mike Mitchell started out as a bodybuilder and rose to the top where he won Mr. Universe along with numerous World Fitness Federation’s Fitness World Championships.
Mitchell competed for a bunch of titles, including Britain’s Strongest Man. He won 5 Masters Mr. World titles along the way. In 2010, he was given the WWF’s highest honor … the Living Legend Award.
As for acting, he got a big break in 1994 that has shades of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He got cast in “Braveheart” because of his imposing physical presence. He went on to appear in “Gladiator,” “The Planet,” “One Day Removals,” “City of Hell,” “Life on the Line” and “Emmerdale.”
Mike suffered a serious setback in 2006 after winning his 5th World Fitness title — he was stricken with a serious heart attack.
He lived on a boat in Turkey with his wife.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Denise Mitchell, and several children. No memorial plans have been revealed.