Tony Curtis Dies at Age 85

Reports are coming in that Oscar-nominated movie star Tony Curtis has died of a cardiac arrest at his Nevada home, aged 85. A family spokesman said that he had passed away peacefully in bed.

Born Bernard Schwartz in The Bronx, New York in 1925, Curtis carved out a successful career as a leading man over six decades. He starred in movies such as 'The Vikings,' 'Spartacus,' 'Some Like it Hot' and 'Sweet Smell of Success.'

He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as an escaped convict in 'The Defiant Ones' in which he co-starred with Sidney Poitier.

In the '70s Curtis moved into TV, starrring with Roger Moore in spy series 'The Persuaders.'

Although he appeared in more than 140 movies, the oft-married Curtis was almost as well-known for his off-screen antics. He battled alcoholism for years and wrote a "warts and all" autobiography. In later life he forged a second successful career as an artist.

Curtis had six children, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has confirmed that her father died yesterday after a long period of ill health.