Moody, born Ronald Moodnick, passed away in a hospital on Thursday (11Jun15), his family confirmed. The cause of his death was not released as WENN went to press, but his agent said he had been ill for some time.

The actor's widow Therese says, "He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end."

Moody first played Fagin in the stage musical version of CHARLES DICKENS' novel in London's West End in 1960 before starring in the 1968 feature film. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe award.

He received a Tony Award nod for Best Actor in a Musical for the Broadway revival of Oliver! in 1984, and he resumed the Fagin role for the final time in 2010 to celebrate the stage production's 50th anniversary.

Moody also had a lengthy career in film and TV, including roles in Disney movie A Kid in King Arthur's Court, children series The Animals of Farthing Wood and Into the Labyrinth, U.K. soap opera EastEnders, 1970s cop show Starsky & Hutch, and Cliff Richard's 1963 film Summer Holiday.

He is said to have turned down the lead role in hit sci-fi series Doctor Who in 1969.