David Margulies, who was best known for playing the Mayor of New York in Ghostbusters, has died at the age of 78. The actor passed away in Manhattan, New York on Monday 11 January.

His agent Mary Harden confirmed the news to Deadline, while his sister Vicki revealed that the late star battled with cancer.

David is survived by his long-term partner, American actress Lois Smith, his son Jonathan and a grandson.

In Ghostbusters, the Brooklyn-born star played politician Lenny Clotch, who was inspired by real life Mayor Ed Koch. David also appeared in the sequel Ghostbusters II in 1989.

Apart from starring in the fantasy adventure blockbuster, David also had a score of film credits attached to his name. He was cast in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, A Stranger Among Us and Out on a Limb following his Ghostbusters debut.

Fans will also recognise the late star for his role in The Sopranos; he played mob boss Tony Soprano’s lawyer Neil Mink in eight episodes. On the small screen, David also featured in Law & Order, NYPD Blue and Northern Exposure.