First James Bond Actor Dies
The first actor to play James Bond on screen, Barry Nelson, has died aged 89.
The BBC reports Nelson played the famous British spy in a one-hour TV adaptation of Casino Royale in 1954.
He signed to movie giants MGM in the 1940s and went on to appear in several of the studio's films, including Shadow of the Thin Man and A Yank on the Burma Road.
His wife Nansi said Nelson died on 7 April while travelling in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She said the cause of death was not yet known.
Nelson entered the Army during World War II and afterwards starred in more films such as Undercover Maisie, Time to Kill and Tenth Avenue Angel.
In the 1960s and 70s, he enjoyed a successful stage career, starring on Broadway in Seascape, Mary, Mary and Catcus Flower.
His role in The Act in 1978, which also starred Liza Minnelli, earned him a Tony nomination.
His other film credits include Airport and The Shining and he also appeared in numerous TV shows including Murder She Wrote, Dallas and Magnum PI.