Actor Earl Cameron, pioneer star of Doctor Who and The Dark Man, dies at 102

Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to enter the British film industry, died on Friday, his agent confirmed. He was 102 years old.

The Guardian

. “data-reactid =” 13 “> The Bermuda-born actor” passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family, “said Kenilworth in Warwickshire, his agent said. The Guardian.

Royal Gazette in a 2018 interview. “data-reactid =” 15 “>” When I arrived in London, I had no qualifications at all. It was a period when it was almost impossible for a black person to get any kind of job, “Cameron told the Royal Gazette in a 2018 interview.

. “data-reactid =” 71 “> The actor’s last major role was a small part in the 2010 movie Start.

The Guardian in 2017. “It was only later, looking back, that it occurred to me what it was.” “data-reactid =” 72 “>” I never saw myself as a pioneer, “said Cameron The Guardian in 2017. “It was only later, looking back, that it occurred to me I was.”

His achievements as a black actor in film were honored in 2009 when he was appointed commander of the most excellent order in the British Empire.

In 2016, Cameron was inducted into Britain’s Screen Nation Hall of Fame.

Cameron left a lasting impact on many black British actors today, as seen in a variety of tributes on social media.

David Harewood called Cameron a “total legend,” while Paterson Joseph thanked him for laying the foundation for today’s actors.

“The pioneering shoulders of his generation are upon which my generation of actors rest. No shoulder was wider than this gentleman with the voice of God and the heart of a kind prince,” wrote Paterson.

Cameron’s children thanked those who honored their father and paid tribute to his accomplishments.

The Guardian. “As an artist and as an actor he refused to take on roles that degraded or stereotyped the character of people of color. He really was a man who defended his moral principles and was inspiring.” “Data-reactid =” 81 “>” Our family has [sic] has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect we have received from the news of our father’s passing, “said his sons. The Guardian. “As an artist and as an actor, he refused to take on roles that degraded or stereotyped the character of people of color. He really was a man who defended his moral principles and was inspiring.”