David Hedison, actor who played James Bond's CIA friend dies

David Hedison, best known for starring in two James Bond movies as CIA operative Felix Leiter is dead.

The actor died on  18 July 2019, aged 92, his press representative, Jennifer Allen, confirmed Monday, USA Today reports.

His two daughters, Alexandra and Serena, were at his side at the time of his death. They described him as a “wonderful father” and a loving best friend to his wife Bridget, who died in 2016.

“Even in our deep sadness, we are comforted by the memory of our wonderful father,” the daughters say in a statement. “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 late actor’s first James Bond role was opposite Sir Roger Moore’s first outing as Bond in Live and Let Die (1973). He would return 16 years later for Licence to Kill, starring Timothy Dalton, where his character was maimed after being lowered into a shark tank by drug lord Franz Sanchez.

Hedison became friends with Moore and appeared with him again in the 1980 oil rig drama North Sea Hijack. They were reunited in 2007 when Hedison delivered a speech during the unveiling of Moore’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hedison was often modest about his career and admitted that most of the films he starred in were “pictures you never want to see again” per the Independent.

“When I know they’ll be on TV I have a dinner party and invite my friends over so they can’t see them,” he was quoted to have said.

Several actors have played Felix Leiter in the Bond film series, beginning with Jack Lord in 1962’s Dr No. Jeffrey Wright, who has played the role since 2006’s Casino Royale, is set to return in Bond 25, which is currently in production.