‘John Wick’ villain Michael Nyqvist loses battle with lung cancer

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 15:  Actor Michael Nyqvist poses during a photo call for the Sky Series Night '100 Code' on March 15, 2015 in Munich, Germany.  (Photo by Joerg Koch/Getty Images)

Credit: Joerg Koch

Credit: Joerg Koch

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 15: Actor Michael Nyqvist poses during a photo call for the Sky Series Night '100 Code' on March 15, 2015 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Joerg Koch/Getty Images)

Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist, the star of the original "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday.

"It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that our beloved Michael, one of Sweden's most respected and accomplished actors, has passed away quietly surrounded by family after a year-long battle with lung cancer," according to a statement from the actor's representative published in Variety.

Nyqvist, 56, was probably best known to American audiences for his villain roles, including in “John Wick” and “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.”

The actor leaves behind his wife, Catharina, and children, Arthur and Ellen.

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