Italian actor and film maker Bud Spencer died today, aged 86.

The actor was known for past roles in action-comedy films together with his long-time film partner Terence Hill.

The two appeared in, produced and directed over 20 films together.

The main characters of Spaghetti Westerns achieved his first great success with They Call Me Trinity, the 1971 film which was set in the Wild West. Bud Spencer was a staple on Italian TV in the 1970s and 1980s, his character gaining much popularity among Maltese television audiences.

"My father died peacefully at 6.15pm and did not suffer from pain. His last words were 'Thank you'," said his son in a statement to the Italian media.

In 2005, the gentle giant of Italian cinema entered politics, unsuccessfully standing as regional counsellor in Lazio for the Forza Italia party.