Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to establish a successful career in British film and television, died at 102.
The Bermuda-born actor, who lived with his wife in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, died in his sleep on Friday (July 3), according to his family friend Martin Beckett.
“He is a great character, very spiritual, very modest, we are going to miss him,” said Beckett.
Known for starring Doctor who and the James Bond movie ThunderballCameron came to the United Kingdom in 1939 after joining the British merchant marine.
It first appeared on screen in the 1951 film. London pool, which at the time was a rare starring role for a black actor.
In 2009, Cameron was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
His final acting credit saw him appear in the 2010 film. Start, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page.
Beckett said Cameron “had taken refuge because of Covid and did not feel like going out, he had chest problems.”
He added: “He would never take on roles that degraded people of color … he was often the subject of a lot of racial prejudice, but he never got mad about it.” He felt sorry for the people who couldn’t accept it. “
Homeland star David Harewood called Cameron “a total legend” while paying tribute to the actor.
A total legend. RIP Earl Cameron. https://t.co/d6fZ3CYx6m
– David Harewood (@DavidHarewood) July 4, 2020
The official Doctor who Twitter account posted: “We are sad to report the death of Earl Cameron, who starred in ‘The Tenth Planet’ and was one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television.”
We are saddened to report the death of Earl Cameron, who starred in ‘The Tenth Planet’ and was one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television: https://t.co/vfcnYvItQB #DoctorWho pic. twitter.com/JXxRlKw1R6
– Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) July 4, 2020
The official James Bond account wrote: “We are sorry that Earl Cameron, who played Pinder in Thunderball, passed away at the age of 102. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
We are sorry that Earl Cameron, who played Pinder in Thunderball, passed away at the age of 102. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/vOQrWQQAf1
– James Bond (@ 007) July 4, 2020
Abroad Actor Ray Fearon tweeted: “Me and Grand Earl Cameron on their centennial by unveiling a plaque to Ira Aldridge in Coventry. RIP Great sir. Thanks for paving the way for us here!
Me and Grand Earl Cameron on their 100th birthday discovering a plaque for Ira Aldridge in Coventry. RIP Great sir. Thanks for paving the way for us here! ❤ pic.twitter.com/8tiGTjQXCr
– ray fearon (@ray_fearon) July 4, 2020
See more tributes to Cameron below:
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the iconic Bermudian actor Earl Cameron. I join the Bermuda community to celebrate their long and remarkable life. On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I express my sincere condolences to his wife, children and family. pic.twitter.com/J9LBGEJxMJ
– Premier David Burt (@BermudaPremier) July 4, 2020
RIP Earl Cameron who died at 102! It is sad that we have not seen more opportunities for this excellent actor during his long career … but without a doubt a great legacy to celebrate today! #EarlCameron #BlackActorsMatter pic.twitter.com/A0rPPBEpsI
– Matthew Bourne (@SirMattBourne) July 4, 2020
Remembering Earl Cameron (1917-2020) https://t.co/bIFaZUFcq4 pic.twitter.com/PUEH5bzfFM
– Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) July 4, 2020
Raising a glass against Louis Mahoney and Earl Cameron, who we lost this week. Good actors, and by day two of the most prominent people of color in an overwhelmingly white profession. Both in Doctor Who, of course, and much more, from Cry Freedom to Inception. pic.twitter.com/DnhKbla5oD
– Nicholas Pegg (@NicholasPegg) July 4, 2020
Very sad to wake up the news of Earl Cameron’s death at 102 years old. I interviewed him a decade ago for the Tenth Planet DVD and a worthy, kind and absolutely graceful man left me on the ground. RIP pic.twitter.com/NDn7qxUA59
– Chris Chapman (@ ChrisChapman81) July 4, 2020
Earl Cameron was a born performer who endorsed each role. His legacy with live on as it has paved the way and transmitted the creative witness to others #RIP ❤️ #EarlCameron https://t.co/OYai03tU4g
– Floella Benjamin (@FloellaBenjamin) July 4, 2020
We have lost another legend, the famous actor Earl Cameron CBE! One of the first black people I saw on television. I remember how excited my family would be every time he showed up. “Earl is on TV again, come on!” A true inspiration. Rest in eternal power, great man. pic.twitter.com/hGUAG9sugB
– Roy Williams (@royboywilliams) July 4, 2020
Giant man. The pioneering shoulders of his generation are what my generation of actors rest on. No shoulder was wider than this knight with the voice of God and the heart of a kind prince. RIP Earl Cameron. 🖤 https://t.co/BTonZcm13x
– Paterson Joseph (@ignatius_sancho) July 4, 2020
