James Bond star Frank McRae dead aged 80: Actor and former football player passes away from heart attack
- The actor passed away from a heart attack on April 29, his daughter-in-law confirmed
- Frank was best known for his role as the famous spy’s friend Sharkey in 1989’s Licence to Kill and played professional football in the 60s
- Fans paid tribute to the ‘wonderful, versatile and charismatic’ actor on social media
James Bond star Frank McRae has died at the age of 80.
The actor passed away from a heart attack in Santa Monica on April 29, his daughter-in-law confirmed to Variety.
Screen star Frank was best known for his role as the famous spy’s friend Sharkey in 1989’s Licence to Kill and previously played defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams in the 60s.
Tragic: James Bond star Frank McRae has died at the age of 80 (pictured in 1993)
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.’
Fans of the film star shared their condolences on social media, writing: ‘R.I.P the irreplaceable Frank McRae – 1944 – 2021. Such a wonderful actor who elevated every scene & movie he appeared in
‘#LastActionHero #LicenceToKill #LockUp #48Hrs #Rocky2 #FrankMcRae.RIP #FrankMcRae. A brilliantly versatile actor and professional American Football player, who appeared in countless great movies in the 1980s and 1990s.
‘Everything from Sci-Fi to Action, Drama and Comedy. Best known to #JamesBond Fans as Sharkey in #LicenceToKill (1989).
Biggest role: The screen star was best known as the famous spy’s friend Sharkey in 1989’s Licence to Kill (pictured with 007 Timothy Dalton)
Heartbreaking: The actor passed away from a heart attack in Santa Monica on April 29, his daughter-in-law confirmed (pictured in Paradise Alley in 1978)
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends’: James Bond’s official Twitter account paid tribute on Thursday
‘Sad to hear Frank McRae has passed away. His character Sharkey was one of the highlights of Licence to Kill; charismatic and provided great comic relief. #RIPFrankMcRae #JamesBond.
‘Not Frank McRae! The quintessential angry police chief in 48 Hours, Last Action Hero and National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1. Terrific as Bond’s ally in Licence To Kill, too.’ (sic)
The late performer is survived by his son Marcellus and his grandchildren Camden, Jensen and Holden.
Frank entered the acting industry when he played bank robber Reed Youngblood in 1973 movie Dillinger, after a brief stint in sports.
Co-stars: The ex-sportsman 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, pictured)
Iconic: 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 (pictured)
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 was in the sixteenth instalment of the 007 series with Timothy Dalton – the fourth actor to play the secret agent.
Frank 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 two years before his death.
‘Rest in peace, the irreplaceable Frank McRae’: Fans of the film star shared their condolences on social media
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