James Bond actor James Hedley dies aged 91 after short illness 'bravely borne'

James Bond star James Hedley has died aged 91 after battling a short illness.

Hedley's death was confirmed via a notice in The Times of London which said the actor — who was born Jack Hawkins — had suffered a "short illness bravely borne" before he died on December 11.

The notice said Hedley had requested no funeral but would be "much missed by family and friends".

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Hedley appeared in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only as fictional British Marine archaeologist Sir Timothy Havelock.

Alongside his appearance on the 007 franchise, Hedley also had 99 film and television credits to his name during his 50-year career.

The acclaimed actor appeared in John Wayne movie The Longest Day, The Scarlet Blade and Lawrence of Arabia.

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He also had several British television roles including appearances on Allo 'Allo and Only Fools and Horses.

Hedley's last on-screen credit was as a priest in the Italian series St Paul.