Aliens actor and Vietnam war vet is found dead at his retirement home in Spain 

Aliens actor and Vietnam war veteran Al Matthews who spent most of his working life in Britain has been found dead at his retirement home in Spain. 

The 75-year-old’s body was discovered in the resort of La Zenia in southern Spain’s Costa Blanca on Saturday night at about 10.30pm.

A neighbour found him lying on his bed and an ambulance was called, but medical responders and a doctor could only certify him dead at the scene.

Mr Matthews, who moved to Spain from the UK several years ago, was best known for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens.

Mr Matthews, who moved to Spain from the UK several years ago, was best known for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Apone (pictured) in James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens

He reprised his role 27 years later, providing the voice of Apone for the video game Aliens: Colonial Marines.

As well as singing and acting, Matthews was a member of the US Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War.

He boasted of holding 13 combat awards and decorations including two Purple Hearts.

Mr Matthews also appeared as a fire chief in Superman III in 1983 and in Grange Hill as the father of Benny Green, played by Terry Sue-Patt whose body was found at his home in Walthamstow, east London in July 2015.

Mr Matthews also appeared in Grange Hill as the father of Benny Green, played by Terry Sue-Patt whose body was found at his home in Walthamstow, east London in July 2015

New York-born Matthews’ 1975 hit ‘Fool’ reached number 16 in the UK charts.

Local reports said the expat, suffered from several severe illnesses and there were no signs of any violence.

A post-mortem is expected to show he died of natural causes.