Licence To Kill actor Frank McRae has died at the age of 80 after suffering a heart attack.
The American actor, who also starred in Last Action Hero, died in California on April 29, his devastated daughter-in-law has confirmed.
Frank had previously trained as a professional football player, starring in the NFL before finding a different kind of fame with his movies.
He first caught the spotlight with his turn as Reed Youngblood, a grinning prisoner who helped Warren Oates’ character to escape in 1973’s Dillenger.
Standing at six-and-a-half feet tall, Frank quickly made a name for himself playing burly tough guys, including Sharkey in the James Bond film Licence To Kill opposite Timothy Dalton.
Initially known for playing in the NFL, he left sport behind the create a career as an actor.
He made the move to Hollywood and won roles in films such as Hard Times, Rocky II, Paradise Alley and 48 Hours.
Fans have rushed to twitter to pay tribute to the tragic star.
A message posted by the official James Bond Twitter reads: “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.”