Actor Helmut Berger dies at the age of 78

The actor passed away "peacefully but nevertheless unexpectedly" at his home in Salzburg on Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by his agent. In a message obtained by The Associated Press, the rep added: , "(Berger) enjoyed his motto La Dolce Vita to the full all his life." No further details were given. One of the biggest stars of European cinema in the '60s and '70s, Berger is perhaps best known for his performance in Luchino Visconti's 1969 film The Damned, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe.