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Earl Cameron: British film and TV star actor dies aged 102 Earl Cameron: British film and TV star actor dies aged 102
(about 2 hours later)
Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television, has died aged 102, a family friend has said. Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television, has died aged 102, his family has confirmed.
Bermuda-born Cameron, who lived with his wife in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, died in his sleep on Friday, Martin Beckett said. 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 for a black actor.Cameron first appeared on screen in the 1951 film Pool of London, in a rare starring role for a black actor.
His other credits include 1965 Bond movie Thunderball and Doctor Who. His family said he "was an inspirational man who stood by his moral principles".
Cameron was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours.Cameron was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours.
Mr Beckett said: "He had sheltered himself because of Covid and had not really been keen on going out, he had chest problems. His other screen credits include 1965 Bond movie Thunderball and Doctor Who.
His family said 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 demeaned or stereotyped the character of people of colour," they added. "He will be very sadly missed."
Family friend Martin Beckett said: "He had sheltered himself because of Covid and had not really been keen on going out, he had chest problems.
"He's a great character, very spiritual, very modest, we're going to miss him."He's a great character, very spiritual, very modest, we're going to miss him.
"He would never take on roles that demeaned people of colour... he was often subject of a lot of racial prejudice, but he never really got angry about it. He pitied people that couldn't accept him.""He would never take on roles that demeaned people of colour... he was often subject of a lot of racial prejudice, but he never really got angry about it. He pitied people that couldn't accept him."
Actor David Harewood called Cameron "a total legend".Actor David Harewood called Cameron "a total legend".
Bermuda Premier David Burt tweeted: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of iconic Bermudian actor Earl Cameron."Bermuda Premier David Burt tweeted: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of iconic Bermudian actor Earl Cameron."
Paterson Joseph, who recently starred as Kamal Hadley in the BBC's Noughts and Crosses series, said Cameron was a "giant man", whose "pioneering shoulders are what my generation of actors stand on".Paterson Joseph, who recently starred as Kamal Hadley in the BBC's Noughts and Crosses series, said Cameron was a "giant man", whose "pioneering shoulders are what my generation of actors stand on".
Artistic director Sir Matthew Bourne, said he was a "groundbreaker" with a "great legacy".Artistic director Sir Matthew Bourne, said he was a "groundbreaker" with a "great legacy".
Cameron also starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn in the 2005 film The Interpreter.Cameron also starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn in the 2005 film The Interpreter.
One of his final acting credits was for a small part in the 2010 film Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page.One of his final acting credits was for a small part in the 2010 film Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page.
Speaking to the BBC as he turned 100, Cameron said he wanted to see more black actors in roles.Speaking to the BBC as he turned 100, Cameron said he wanted to see more black actors in roles.
He said: "There's a lot of talent out there and I think the British film industry would prosper by using more black talent."He said: "There's a lot of talent out there and I think the British film industry would prosper by using more black talent."
Cameron joined the British merchant navy and arrived in the UK in 1939.Cameron joined the British merchant navy and arrived in the UK in 1939.
He told the Royal Gazette he made his debut in the chorus of Chu Chin Chow, a West End show, when he was working as a dishwasher at a restaurant and they needed someone quickly.He told the Royal Gazette he made his debut in the chorus of Chu Chin Chow, a West End show, when he was working as a dishwasher at a restaurant and they needed someone quickly.
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