Earl Cameron, 'Britain's first black film star', dies aged 102

Bermudian-born actor rose to prominence in the 1950s in films such as Pool of London and Sapphire, as well as appearing in the 007 film Thunderball

Earl Cameron, who with his debut role in the 1951 film Pool of London, became one of the first significant black actors in British cinema, has died aged 102. His agent confirmed the news to the Guardian, saying he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family" on Friday in Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

Cameron's significance to the current generation of black British actors was underlined by tributes on social media. David Harewood described him as a total legend", while Paterson Joseph wrote: His generation's pioneering shoulders are what my generation of actors stand on. No shoulders were broader than this gentleman with the voice of god and the heart of a kindly prince." Historian David Olusoga added: A remarkable and wonderful man. Not just a brilliant actor but a link to a deeper history."