Actor Ian Richardson died suddenly today at his home, reports <a href="http://www.bbcnews.co.uk">BBC News</a>. He was 72. His most famous role was as Francis Urquhart in the BBC's House of Cards, though genre fans know him better from the recent SkyOne adaptation of Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather," in which Richardson gave a marvelous performance as Death.

Richardson's long career encompassed many roles, both film and television. He appeared in Terry Gilliam's surreal "Brazil," "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," and also made a guest appearance on "Highlander" in 1997.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.