South Africa actor Hans Meyer has died aged 94.

The TV and film star - best known for his role in 1972 TV show Colditz - passed away in Neuilly sur Seine, France on April 3.

A representative for Meyer confirmed his death was not coronavirus-related.

As well as his role in the war drama, he was also known for his role in Hollywood blockbuster Red Sonja, an episode of 1992 series The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, and a small part in 1992 show The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, which starred Sean Patrick Flanery in the title role.

He was born in South Africa in 1925 and started his career as a model, mostly posing for book covers.

Meyer made the change to TV work when a friend in Germany recommended him for a vodka advert.

It allowed him to carve out a new career and he got his big break with a small part in 1967 war movie The Night of the Generals starring Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif.

He landed roles in numerous French films throughout the 1960s, including director Yves Boisset's The Devil's Garden.

(Image: ANL/Shutterstock) (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

In 1975, he worked with another acclaimed director - Stanley Kubrick - in his adaptation of Barry Lyndon, whiel also landed his recurring role in TV war drama Colditz playing Hauptmann Franz Ulmann.

Another Hollywood role came his way in 1985's Red Sonja.

He played Red Sonja's Father in the film opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brigitte Nielsen.

Meyer later appeared in two episodes of British TV show Minder, as well as Department S, William Tell and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.

In his later years, he appeared in projects such as 2010 bio-doc Hitler in Hollywood, and 2007 TV movie How Much We Hated Each Other.

His last appearance onscreen came in 2014 film thriller Cruel.