UPDATED with Christopher Nolan’s statement: John Nolan, the actor who starred in Dark Knight Rises and Person of Interest, has died. He was 87.

The uncle of Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, his death was reported by the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald on Saturday.

John’s wife Kim Hartman described her late husband to the outlet as “a free spirit, who always knew what he wanted and acted on his own terms; the only truly original thinker I think I ever knew. Articulate, intelligent and with an anarchic wit, he was always willing to see both sides of an argument.

“He was also the kindest person I ever knew – and animals loved him too!” added Hartman. “John was a popular and talented teacher, whether explaining a Shakespeare soliloquy or how to swing a golf club, and was devoted to his family.”

Christopher Nolan said in a statement, “My uncle John was the first artist I knew, and he taught me more than anyone about the search for truth in acting and the joys of creative achievement. I miss him terribly, but take great comfort in my memories of John, particularly those of working together.”

Born May 22, 1938 in London, John Nolan trained at the Drama Centre before landing the male lead in Romeo & Juliet at Richmond Theatre, opposite Francesca Annis. He went on to join the Royal Court Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

John made his onscreen debut in a 1967 episode of The Prisoner, going on to appear on shows like Doomwatch, Shabby Tiger, The Water Margin, Marked Personal, General Hospital, Crown Court, ITV Playhouse and Dune: Prophecy. He was known for playing ex-MI6 agent John Greer on Person of Interest.

After appearing in his nephew Christopher Nolan’s 1998 directorial debut Following, the actor also played Wayne Enterprises board member Fredericks in Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), as well as Dunkirk (2017).

John is survived by wife Kim and their two children.