By ANTHONY CAPRON, Guardian Managing Editor

anthony@nasguard.com

He was credited with having a strong, handsome presence and the arrogance that suited the times of Hollywood's fling with black films of the early to mid 1970s. His chiseled features and raspy voice made him a natural as a playboy charmer or a con artist villain, roles to which he adapted with ease.

That was Calvin Lockhart, born Sept. 18, 1934 in Nassau. He died in Nassau Thursday from complications of a stroke at the age of 72.

Prime Minister Perry Christie Friday expressed sadness at the death of the internationally acclaimed Bahamian actor.

"Although his acting career was of relatively short duration, Calvin's cinematic charisma and talents won him high praise from critics and audiences alike all around the world," said Mr Christie, recognizing that his success reflected greatly on The Bahamas.

Calvin left The Bahamas at age 19, to study engineering in New York. He became involved in a YMCA theater group and made his first Broadway appearance in a "Taste of Honey" opposite Angela Lansbury.

Classically trained, Calvin had the distinction in 1974 of being the only black actor ever invited to be an actor-in-residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford Upon-Avon. Calvin first caught moviegoers' attention in the films Halls of Anger and Cotton Comes to Harlem. He is best known for his roles in Uptown Saturday Night, Melinda and Predator. Calvin produced and directed several major stage productions and also appeared on television in London, Germany and the US including the television series Dynasty.

Calvin was fluent in a number of languages; French, German, Italian and Spanish. He was also a restaurant owner in Italy and for a brief period operated a night club in Nassau.

In 1979, Calvin met Jennifer L. Miles in New York. They had a son Julien in 1981. Twenty-seven years later on Oct. 17, 2006 they were married. The couple's 25-year-old son Julien Lockhart Miles, served as witness for his parents nuptials.

In January, Calvin made his last movie "Rain", which was filmed in The Bahamas and not yet released.

He is survived by his mother, Minerva Cooper; his wife, Jennifer Miles-Lockhart; sons Michael Lockhart and Julien Lockhart Miles; brothers Carney, Eric and Phillip Cooper; sisters, Melba and Delores.

Plans for services are being made by the family.