KOCHI: Noted Malayalam drama and cine artist KL Antony (70), passed away. He was admitted to a hospital in Alappuzha on Friday morning following a cardiac arrest before shifting to Ernakulam Lake Shore Hospital where he breathed his last.

Having acted in many dramas before, it was his performance as Vincent Bhavana in 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram' alongside Fahad Fazil that made him popular among moviegoers.He also played minor roles in 'Guppy', 'Njandukalude Naattil Oru Idavela' and 'Gerogettan's Pooram'.

He was a communist drama writer. In order to present his ideas to the public he formed 'Cochin Kalakendra'. He has also published several books; many of them sold over 50,000 copies.

Antony is survived by his wife Leena, son Lasar Shine and daughters Ambily and Nancy.