Actress Movita Castaneda dies

Movita Castaneda, who met Marlon Brando on a movie set and later married him and had two of his children, has died aged 98.

Movita Castaneda, the dark-haired actress who met Marlon Brando on a movie set and later married him and had two of his children, has died.

Barbara Sternig, a family friend, says Castaneda died on Thursday at a Los Angeles rehabilitation centre after being treated for a neck injury. The Los Angeles Times says Castaneda was believed to be 98.

She came to prominence after appearing in the 1935 classic "Mutiny on the Bounty," a film that would be remade decades later starring Brando. Castaneda was also known for roles in "Flying Down to Rio" alongside Fred Astaire, "Paradise Isle" and "Captain Calamity."

She married Brando in 1960.

Previously she was married to Irish prizefighter Jack Doyle.

Castaneda is survived by Miko Brando and Rebecca Brando; four grandchildren; and her 102-year-old sister, Petra.