London: British Shakespearian actor Paul Scofield, who won an Oscar for his role in "A Man for All Seasons", has died at the age of 86, his agent said Thursday.

Scofield, who had been diagnosed with leukaemia, died peacefully in his sleep in hospital in Sussex, southern Britain, Wednesday, agent Rosalind Chatto said.

Scofield was considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, winning an Oscar in 1967 for his portrayal of the Tudor statesman Sir Thomas More in "A Man For All Seasons".

Memorable stage performances include playing the priest in "The Power and the Glory", and Salieri in "Amadaeus".

Scofield started his stage career in 1940.