Earl Cameron, who was one of the first black actors to play major roles in the British film, died Friday at the age of 102. His agent confirmed his death and said he “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family” at Kenilworth in Warwickshire.
Born in Bermuda in 1917, Cameron arrived in the UK in 1939 after a season with the British Merchant Marine. By 1941, he had his first role, appearing in the theatrical production of Chu Chin Chow.
“When I got to 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.
Cameron continued to work in the theater and finally debuted in film in the 1951 crime drama London poolin. It is believed to be the first British film to portray an interracial relationship.
Then he appeared in movies like Simba, pistols in Batasiand Safari. In 1965 Cameron had a role as an assistant to James Bond in Thunderball
On television, Cameron became a regular on the BBC series The dark man He also appeared in season 4 of Doctor whoHe reportedly became the first black actor to play an astronaut on screen.
Her final lead role was a small part in the 2010 film. Start.
Cameron was honored in 2009 when he was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In 2016, he was inducted into the Great Britain Screen Nation Hall of Fame.
David Harewood called Cameron a “total legend,” while Paterson Joseph thanked him for laying the foundation for today’s actors.
Cameron’s sons spoke The Guardian about his father.
“Our family has [sic] he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect we have received from the news of our father’s passing, “his sons told 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. “
