London, July 11 (IANS): Actor Roger Rees, best known for his roles in "Cheers", is dead after brief illness. He was 71.

The Tony award winning actor, who is also best known for his role in "The West Wing", passed away on Friday away at his home, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Rees had to pull out of his Tony award nominated Broadway play "The Visit" due to illness. He is survived by his husband playwright Rick Elice.

Scott Heller of the New York Times tweeted late on Friday night a statement from Rees' representative: "Roger Rees, Tony Award-winning actor, passed away tonight at home, after brief illness."

The actor won a Tony award for his lead performance in "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby", which he starred in on both the London and Broadway stages from 1980 to 1982.

The Welshman was best known for playing the characters Robin Colcord on the American sitcom "Cheers" and "Lord John Marbury on The West Wing".

He also had a memorable role on "My So-Called Life", playing Claire Danes' substitute teacher Mr Racine in 1994.

Rees played the 'Sheriff Of Rottingham' in the "Robin Hood: Men In Tights" spoof and also had a role in "Titanic".

The actor was born in Aberystwyth, Wales in 1944.