Tchéky Karyo, star of Nikita and The Missing, dies at 72

French actor Tchéky Karyo, who had a starring role in the film Nikita and the TV series The Missing, has died aged 72.

Karyo, who was born in Turkey but grew up in Paris, died of a cancer on Friday, his agent told AFP news agency. Known largely for supporting roles, Karyo acted in films for nearly four decades, finding a second career in TV series in his final years.

First making his mark in crime thriller La Balance (1982), he played the handler Bob in Luc Besson's assassin film Nikita (1990).

BBC audiences may chiefly remember him for his role as the TV detective Julien Baptiste in The Missing (2009).

Karyo's wife, actress Valérie Keruzoré, and their children announced his death, AFP adds.