James Bond star David Hedison has died at the age of 92.
The actor, who portrayed CIA agent Felix Leiter alongside Roger Moore in Live And Let Die in 1973, passed away in Los Angeles on Thursday with his daughters Alexandra and Serena at his side, a representative for the family confirmed.
The star, who also featured alongside Timothy Dalton in Licence To Kill in 1989, was honoured on the official James Bond Twitter account.
The social media page led the tributes to Hedison with a throwback picture of the actor in character as CIA agent Feli.
The tweet read: “We are very sorry to learn that David Hedison has passed away.
“David played Felix Leiter in LIVE AND LET DIE (1973) opposite Sir Roger Moore, he returned to the role in 1989 with Timothy Dalton as James Bond, in LICENCE TO KILL. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
His daughters said in a statement: “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.
“Our dad brought joy and humour wherever he went and did so with great style.”
The veteran star’s family said he always entertained friends and family with a positive attitude and ‘wicked’ sense of humour.
David’s wife, Bridget, a production associate on Dynasty and an assistant to producer on The Colbys, died in 2016.
He is survived by daughters Serena and Alexandra, an actress and director who is married to Jodie Foster.
David played scientist Andre Delambre, who turned into an insect in 1958 sci-fi film The Fly.
While starring in the 007 films he became the first actor to play CIA agent Felix Leiter twice.
Hedison also played Captain Lee Crane in long-running sci-fi television series Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, and Spencer Harrison on the daytime series Another World.
The Rhode Island-native began his career under the name Al Hedison
In 1959, he took his middle name David after signing a contract with Twentieth Century Fox.
