This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
David Hedison, a legendary actor in the James Bond franchise, has passed away at the age of 92 in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 18, 2019.
Best known for his portrayal of CIA agent Felix Leiter in the 1973 film Live and Let Die alongside Roger Moore and in the 1989 film Licence to Kill with Timothy Dalton, Hedison left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
According to a representative for the family, Hedison passed away surrounded by his daughters Alexandra and Serena.
The official James Bond Twitter account paid tribute to Hedison with a throwback picture of the actor in character as Felix Leiter, accompanied by a heartfelt message expressing their condolences.
His daughters released a statement, saying, 'Even in our deep sadness, we are comforted by the memory of our wonderful father. He loved us all dearly and expressed that love every day. He was adored by so many, all of whom benefited from his warm and generous heart.'
With a career spanning over six decades, Hedison began his acting career under the name Al Hedison and later took on the name David after signing a contract with Twentieth Century Fox in 1959.
He is also remembered for his iconic role as scientist Andre Delambre in the 1958 sci-fi classic The Fly and his portrayal of Captain Lee Crane in the long-running sci-fi series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.
