The Kung Fu and Kill Bill star David Carradine has been found dead in a Bangkok hotel room.

The 73-year-old American was reportedly discovered hanged, but his manager, Chuck Binder, told Times Online he believed it was an "accidental death".

Carradine was in Thailand to shoot the movie Stretch. The film crew reportedly became aware of his absence when they went out to dine at a restaurant yesterday.

Thai police have told reporters that a hotel maid discovered Carradine's body in a wardrobe with rope around his neck and other parts of his body.

The actor became an iconic figure after playing Kwai Change Caine in the 1970s television series Kung Fu, and remained a well-known martial arts figure after writing several books and videos about the discipline.

After a long run of less high-profile parts, he was feted and found new fans after winning hte role of Bill in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 hit Kill Bill.

The son of the thespian John Carradine, he was also called John but changed his name after following his father into showbusiness. Three of Carradine's brothers - Bruce, Keith and Robert - also went into acting.

During his 45-year-long career, Carradine appeared in more than 100 movies, including Martin Scorcese's Box Car Bertha and Mean Streets, and also worked in TV and theatre.

He is survived by his wife of five years, Annie Bierman, and four children.

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