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Actor Louis Mahoney, who appeared in films like Cry Freedom and TV shows Fawlty Towers and Doctor Who, has died at the age of 81.

Early in his career, Mahoney was one of the first black actors in the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s.

He also helped found Performers Against Racism in the 1980s to campaign against apartheid in South Africa.

And he worked as part of the Equity union to improve the representation of non-white actors on British TV.

A statement from his agents Waring and McKenna said: "Louis paved the way for many actors who followed: a lifelong activist and champion of anti-racism.

"His warmth and good humour will be sorely missed."

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