American actor Robert Vaughn, best known for the 1960s television series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," passed away on Nov. 11, Friday, after losing a battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.
Vaughn also starred in the classic film "The Magnificent Seven" and featured in recent television shows like "Hustle" and the British soap opera "Coronation Street," but the actor will best be remembered for playing the suave CIA agent, Napoleon Solo, in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." The hit spy series was regarded by many as the TV's version of James Bond, according to The Guardian.
The news of the actor's death was announced by his manager, Matthew Sullivan, on Friday. He added that Vaughn was suffering from acute leukemia and left for his heavenly abode surrounded by his family in New York. Vaughn leaves behind his wife, Linda, son Cassidy and daughter Caitlin.
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." aired on NBC TV between 1964 and 1968 and featured Scottish actor David McCallum alongside Vaughn. McCallum played the role of Russian KGB operative Illya Kuryakin on the show, which earned Vaughn back-to-back Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in 1965 and 1966, Deadline reported.
Before the show, Vaughn starred in the 1959 film "The Young Philadelphians," for which he received an Oscar nod in the 'Best Supporting Actor' category. The actor also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the film. In the following year, Vaughn's role in "The Magnificent Seven" led to a Golden Globe nomination for 'Most Promising Newcomer.'
Vaughn's other film credits include "Bullitt" and "The Towering Inferno" with Steve McQueen and "Superman III." The list of other classic television shows that the actor appeared on includes "The A Team," "Gunsmoke," "Father Knows Best," "Wagon Train," "The Rifleman" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
Many Hollywood celebrities, including Sir Roger Moore, took to Twitter to offer their condolences to the actor. Here are some of the tweets:
Sorry to hear the news about Robert Vaughn.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) November 11, 2016
RIP Napoleon Solo! The great Robert Vaughn was the coolest guy on TV when I was a kid. Superb in Bullitt, The Magnificent Seven & many more. pic.twitter.com/h7AzfN2pt0 — edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 11, 2016
Memories of #robertvaughn dating back from #ManFromUncle to this shot from #TheNanny. #RIP pic.twitter.com/hSoYLUr55H
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) November 12, 2016
For more on the late actor, watch the video below: