George C. Scott, the American actor who refused to accept an Oscar, died aged 71 at his home in Westlake Village, northwest of Los Angeles, on Thursday.

Scott captivated audiences in roles ranging from the dangerously explosive American World War II General Patton in 1970 to General Buck Turgidson in Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove."

Patton won him an Academy Award which he turned down, calling the Oscars "a two hour meat parade."

George C. Scott was a distinguished actor of both stage and screen.

He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "The Hustler," in 1962 in which he played alongside Paul Newman.

He was married five times - twice to the same woman, actress Colleen Dewhurst.

Speaking about his last wife, actress Trish Van Devere, Scott admitted he had a hard time understanding women.

His film debut came in 1959, and shortly after the film "Anatomy of a Murder" brought his first Academy Award nomination.

When he was nominated again in 1962 for "The Hustler" he wired the academy "no thanks." The academy did not withdraw his name, but he didn't win.

In 1970, the academy ignored Scott's past refusal and awarded him best-actor for "Patton."

In all, the film -- which was a favourite of President Nixon -- received seven Academy Awards.

Scott said he spent the evening watching hockey.

The medical examiners' office in Ventura County, California has confirmed that Scott has died, but has not released the cause of death.

Next month he would have turned 72.