Robert Vaughn: Oscar-nominated The Man From U.N.C.L.E star dies aged 83

Jamie Bullen12 November 2016
The Weekender

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US actor Robert Vaughn, best known to audiences for his role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E, has died at the age of 83.

Mr Vaughn, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his part in The Young Philadelphians in 1959, died of leukaemia surrounded his family.

His manager Matthew Sullivan, who represented him for 30 years, said Mr Vaughn was "the most wonderful human being" and confirmed he died with his family around him

He is survived by his wife Linda and children Cassidy and Caitlin.

Famous role: Robert Vaughn is best known as the debonair crime-fighter Napoleon Solo from "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
AP Photo

He became a familiar face on British television with his portrayal as Albert Stroller in BBC drama Hustle, which ran from 2004 to 2012.

He also had a three-week cameo in Coronation Street in which he played Milton Fanshaw, a love interest for Sylvia Goodwin.

Mr Sullivan added: "He had a blast doing Hustle for the BBC, he loved that show and him and Linda loved living in London, it was one of his greatest joys doing that show.

"Even at 83, women would still come up to the table to talk to him."

Prolific: Mr Vaughn carried on working well into his 80s
PA

But he will be best known for his role as suave spy Napoleon Solo in the 1960s TV series The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

His other major parts included General Hunt Stockwell in 1980s series The A-Team and traumatised veteran Lee in The Magnificient Seven.

He carried on working well into his 80s, playing a dying father in Gold Star and starring opposite Matthew Broderick and Camilla Belle in The American Star, which were both released this year.

Sir Roger Moore led the tributes after news of his death emerged.

Familiar face: Robert Vaughn was known to British audiences from his roles on Hustle and Coronation Street
PA

He wrote: “Sorry to hear the news about Robert Vaughn."

Director Edgar Wright wrote on Twitter: "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."

Stephen Fry added: "Oh no. Robert Vaughn, such a fine actor, one of the best Columbo villains (no higher praise than that) & an utterly charming man, has died."

Gavin Free, who worked with him on Hustle added: "Aw.RIP Robert Vaughn. I got to work with him on Hustle 5 years ago. He did his own slow mo stunts that day while in his late 70s."

Coronation Street senior writer Martin Sterling wrote: "Sad to learn Robert Vaughn has died. I had the pleasure of meeting him while he was in Coronation Street and he was absolutely charming."

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