R.I.P. Joss Ackland: ‘Lethal Weapon 2’ And ‘The Mighty Ducks’ Star Dead At 95

Joss Ackland, the British actor best known for his roles in Lethal Weapon 2 and White Mischief, has died. He was 95.

Ackland’s family said in a statement to The New York Post that he passed away “peacefully” on Sunday (Nov. 19). No cause of death was disclosed.

“With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles,” the statement added. “He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”

The actor’s rep, Paul Pearson, further remembered Ackland as a “great friend who remained lucid, erudite and mischievous to the very end,” per Variety.

Born Sidney Edmond Jocelyn Ackland in 1928, the star attended London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, before making his big-screen debut in the 1949 war film Landfall. However, most would recognize him for his BAFTA-nominated role as Jock Delves Broughton in the 1987 British drama White Mischief.

Only two years later, Ackland starred opposite Mel Gibson and Joe Pesci in the 1989 action comedy Lethal Weapon 2, in which he played villain Arjen Rudd. His character memorably called out, “Diplomatic immunity!” before being shot by Roger Murtaugh, who was played by Danny Glover.

Ackland also appeared in Disney’s The Mighty Ducks franchise as Hans, who was Emilio Estevez‘s mentor and friend. After first starring in the original film in 1992, the actor reprised his role four years later in  D3: The Mighty Ducks.

The star acted in other movies like K-19: The Widowmaker with Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey with Keanu Reeves, and No Good Deed with Samuel L. Jackson. His television credits include Midsomer Murders, The Shadowlands, and Screen Two.

In a 2001 interview with BBC, Ackland admitted that he “regretted” some of his roles, but took them on because he wanted to continue working.

“I do an awful lot of crap, but if it’s not immoral, I don’t mind. I’m a workaholic,” he said at the time. “I can’t tell you how embarrassing [Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey] was.”

Ackland is survived by his seven children, 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Rosemary, his wife of 51 years, died in 2002.