John Nolan, uncle of Christopher Nolan and 'Batman' actor, dies aged 87

John Nolan, actor in 'Batman' films and 'Person of Interest', dies aged 87 as tributes emerge from fans

British actor John Nolan, known for his roles in film and television as well as his collaborations with his nephews Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, has died at the age of 87.

Born on May 22 1938, Nolan passed away on April 11. Over the course of his career, he worked extensively in theatre, including as a director and a teacher at Stratford College, before gaining wider recognition through screen roles later in life.

Nolan was known to many viewers for his role as John Greer in the CBS science fiction drama Person of Interest, a series created by his nephews. His character appeared from the second season and continued through to the fifth and final season in 2016.

He also featured in several major film projects directed by Christopher Nolan. He portrayed Douglas Fredericks, a board member at Wayne Enterprises, in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises.

In Dunkirk, he appeared as a blind man welcoming returning soldiers. His later work included a role in the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, where he played the Speaker of the Hall in what is reported to be his final performance at the age of 85.

Nolan is survived by his wife, Kim Hartman, their children, Miranda and Tom, and his grandchildren, Dylan and Kara. He was the brother of Brendan Nolan, the late father of Christopher and Jonathan Nolan.

His death was first reported by the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald. In a statement, his wife described him as “a free spirit, who always knew what he wanted and acted on his own terms; the only truly original thinker I think I ever knew.” She added, “He was also the kindest person I ever knew – and animals loved him too!”