I think Brian Blessed is great

[benjitz]

Let's not forget his astonishing acting chops in carking it in I, Claudius. No messing about with any dialogue saying "oh no, I think I'm dying, what a rum deal" or other similar death-associated histrionics one normally sees with lesser actors. He just lies there looking a bit peaky, and then stops moving at some random point. He's a fucking pro is what he is. It's hard to believe our man hasn't actually been dead at any point in his life thus far to have had the experience to draw on, his acting is so spot on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrl4PecqM00