Five things you may not know about Pete Postlethwaite

Pete Postlethwaite will be missed by many, far and wide. His distinct style of acting set him apart from others early on in his career and he was once described as "the best actor in the world" by Steven Spielberg.

Postlethwaite graced the big and small screen adopting a wide range of roles. His moving portrayal of Giuseppe Conlon in the 1993 film In the Name of the Father was strong enough to earn an Oscar nomination. Other outstanding performances came in films such as Romeo + Juliet, The Usual Suspects and Brassed Off.

So, here's five things you may not have known about the acting legend:

1. Pete sacked his agent when he was asked to change his surname

Postlethwaite is quite a mouthful but there was no way Pete was going to relinquish his surname for Hollywood glitz purposes. His agent suggested Pete change his last name to something more marquee-friendly. On your bike pal.

2. Pete was the only actor to speak correctly in Romeo + Juliet

In Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, Postlethwaite was the only actor from the entire cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, to speak in iambic pentameter - the rhythm of speech William Shakespeare's plays are written in. Pete played Friar Laurence in the blockbuster.

3. Pete turned down two major roles

Postlethwaite shunned the makers of Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) and Gangs of New York (2002). Lead roles in both films were up for grabs but he declined.

4. Pete: the professional liar

Giving an insight into the life of an actor, Pete once gave an honest account of what it takes to do the job right:

"At the end of the day, acting is all about telling lies,” Postlethwaite said.

“We are professional imposters and the audience accept that. We've made this deal that we tell you a tale and a pack of lies, but there will be a truth in it. You may enjoy it, or it will disturb you."

5. Pete will appear in a new film this year

Killing Bono is a forthcoming comedy film directed by Nick Hamm, based on Neil McCormick's memoir Killing Bono: I Was Bono's Doppelgänger.

The storyline features Neil and Ivan McCormick, two Irish brothers who attempt to become rock stars but can only look on as their high school friends U2 become the biggest band in the world. The film stars Ben Barnes as Neil McCormick, Robert Sheehan as Ivan McCormick, and Martin McCann as Bono.

It also features Postlethwaite in his final film role. Killing Bono will be released in April.