Julian Sands (Grand Moff Regus in SWTOR) has gone missing near Mt. Baldy in California

British actor Julian Sands has gone missing while hiking in southern California.

The prolific film and TV star was reported missing by his wife, the writer Evgenia Citkowitz, after going hiking in the San Gabriel mountains on Friday 13 January. He is a keen hiker, who once described his happiest moment as “close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning”.

Authorities are carrying out an extensive search-and-rescue mission for the 65-year-old actor, though extreme weather conditions had caused delays and interruptions. His adult son, Henry, is assisting in the search with an experienced climber.

”His family are frantic with worry,” a close friend told The Independent.

Throughout his life, Sands appeared in more than 150 films and TV series, including several Oscar winners.