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Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television, died at 102, his family confirmed.
Bermuda-born Cameron, who lived with his wife in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, died in his sleep on Friday.
Cameron first appeared on screen in the 1951 film Pool of London, in a rare starring role as a black actor.
His family said that “he was an inspiring man who upheld his moral principles.”
Cameron was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) at the 2009 New Year’s Awards.
Her other on-screen credits include the 1965 film Bond Thunderball and Doctor Who.
His family said that “they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect they have received.”
“As an artist and actor, he refused to accept roles that degraded or stereotyped the character of people of color,” they added. “We will miss him very much.”
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Earl Cameron outside Buckingham Palace with his CBE, which he received in 2009
Actor David Harewood called Cameron “a total legend.”
Bermuda Prime Minister David Burt tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of iconic Bermudian actor Earl Cameron.”
Paterson Joseph, who recently played Kamal Hadley on the BBC series Noughts and Crosses, said Cameron was a “giant man” whose “pioneering shoulders are what my generation of actors rest on.”
Artistic director Sir Matthew Bourne said he was a “pioneer” with a “great legacy”.
Family friend Martin Beckett said: “He is a great character, very spiritual, very modest, we are going to miss him.
“I would never take on roles that degraded people of color.”
Cameron also starred opposite Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn in the 2005 film The Interpreter.
One of her final acting credits went to a small part of the 2010 movie Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page.
Speaking to the BBC on his 100th birthday, Cameron said he wanted to see more black actors on paper.
Alan White as Schultz and Earl Cameron as Williams in a scene from “Dr Who and The Tenth Planet”
He said: “There is a lot of talent out there and I think the British film industry will prosper by using more black talent.”
Cameron joined the British merchant marine and arrived in the United Kingdom in 1939.
He told the Royal Gazette that he made his debut in the Chu Chin Chow Choir, a West End show, when he worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant and they needed someone quickly.
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