Hollywood actor and former football player, Frank McRae, has died at 80 after suffering a heart attack in California.
He passed away from a heart attack in Santa Monica, California on April 29, his daughter-in-law confirmed to Variety.
The screen star was best known for his role as the famous spy’s friend Sharkey in James Bond’s Licence to Kill in 1989 and his comical role earned him fans all across the world.
James Bond’s official Twitter account paid tribute on Thursday, writing;
We are sorry to hear that Frank McRae, who played Sharkey in Licence To Kill, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
We are sorry to hear that Frank McRae, who played Sharkey in Licence To Kill, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ZKooA5IiQO
— James Bond (@007) May 6, 2021
The sportsman before going into movie, previously played defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams in the 60s.
Frank entered the acting industry when he played bank robber, Reed Youngblood in 1973 movie ‘Dillinger’, after a brief stint in sports.
The thespian went on to portray angry police captain Haden in comedy film 48 Hrs. in 1982, which mimicked as Lieutenant Dekker 11 years later in Last Action Hero alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The ex-sportsman’s biggest role to date was in the sixteenth instalment of the 007 series with Timothy Dalton – the fourth actor to play the secret agent.
McRae also appeared featured in four films with Sylvester Stallone, including F.I.S.T. (1978), Paradise Alley (1978), Rocky II (1979) and Lock Up (1989).
Since playing Cookie in made-for-television films Love’s Long Journey and Love’s Abiding Joy in 2005 and 2006 respectively, the Memphis native kept a relatively low profile on screen.
One of his last jobs saw him voice the character General Jagger Daniels in animated film ‘The 500 Foot Sister’ in 2019.
The late performer is survived by his son Marcellus and his grandchildren Camden, Jensen and Holden.
May his soul rest in peace.
