AN AMERICAN singer and actor who spent most of his working life in the UK has been found dead at his retirement home in Spain.

Al Matthews’ body was discovered on Saturday evening in the Costa Blanca resort of La Zenia on Sunday morning.

9 Al Matthews, who has died, starring as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in Aliens

A neighbour found him lying on his bed and an ambulance was called.

But medical responders and a doctor could only certify him dead at the scene.

The 74-year-old, who moved to Spain from the UK several years ago, was best known for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens.

He reprised his role 27 years later, providing the voice of Apone for the video game Aliens: Colonial Marines.

9 Al stars alongside Christopher Reeve in Superman III

9 In Grange Hill as the dad of Benny Green

Late Al Matthews appearing in Grange Hill as the father of Benny Green

Other roles came in movies like The Fifth Element, Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and Burt Reynolds movie Rough Cut.

Mr Matthews also appeared as a fire chief in Superman III in 1983 and in Grange Hill as the dad of Benny Green, played by Terry Sue-Patt whose decomposed body was found at his home in Walthamstow, east London in July 2015.

According to IMDb, his last role, in a western movie called The Price of Death, is currently in post-production.

As well as singing and acting, Matthews had been a member of the US Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War.

He boasted of holding 13 combat awards and decorations including two Purple Hearts.

9 The American's career took off when he moved to London in the 1970s after his spell in 'Nam Credit: Getty - Contributor

9 Al Matthews was also a member of the prog rock band Hawkwind Credit: Rex Features

9 The Vietnam vet was also an acclaimed solo singer Credit: Getty - Contributor

9 Polymath... Al was a chart topping artist back in the 1970s Credit: This content is subject to copyright.

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Al Matthews plays the fire chief alongside Christoper Reeve in Superman III

9 Al had been spending his last years in Spain where he passed away

New York-born Matthews’ 1975 hit "Fool" reached number 16 in the UK charts.

Local reports said the expat suffered from several severe illnesses and there were no signs of any violence.

A post-mortem is expected to show he died of natural causes.

9 Al in his beloved Spain where he lived in the Costa Blanca resort of La Zenia Credit: YouTube

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