The West Wing and Cheers actor Roger Rees dies aged 71

Roger Rees played British ambassador Lord John Marbury in The West Wing Credit: PA

Welsh actor Roger Rees, who starred in The West Wing and Cheers, has died aged of 71.

Reports in the US, where he had lived for more than 25 years, said he had died after a short illness.

Rees was an accomplished stage star who won Tony and Olivier Awards in 1982 for his title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby.

He also played Robin Colcord in the 80s hit US comedy Cheers and British ambassador Lord John Marbury in cult political drama The West Wing from 2000 to 2005.

Among his other credits was an appearance as the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks' slapstick comedy Robin Hood: Men in Tights in 1993.

Actor and director Samuel West said he "woke to the sad news of Roger Rees's death" before posting pictures of the actor in high-profile stage roles.

The musician Rick Wakeman added: "Very sad to learn of the passing of Roger Rees. I saw him last year at a Water Rats Lodge. A truly lovely man and very talented too."