Oscar-winning actor ANTHONY QUINN has died at the age of 86.

The Mexican-born American citizen was best known for his roles as the hero of ZORBA THE GREEK (1964) and the fierce Bedouin leader in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962).

He died at BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL in Boston, America, yesterday (03JUN01).

Quinn, who appeared in more than 150 feature films, won Oscars as best supporting actor in VIVA ZAPATA (1952) in 1952 and as the painter PAUL GAUGUIN in LUST FOR LIFE (1956) four years later (56).

His death was reported by VINCENT "BUDDY" CIANCI, a friend of the actor. He said Quinn died of respiratory failure. Cianci said, "He was larger than life. I was proud to call him a friend. " Quinn was born in Mexico and raised in poverty in East Los Angeles, he went from stage and B-movie roles to become an international leading man.

His personal life was almost as flamboyant as many of his film parts and he was married twice, the first time to the adopted daughter of CECIL B DE MILLE. Although his second marriage lasted 20 years, he admitted having affairs and in all fathered 13 children by his wives and mistresses. (MCM/WNWCCB)

Source: WENN