British TV and film star Earl Cameron has died at the age of 102, a family friend has confirmed.

Martin Beckett said Cameron died on Friday at the home he shared with his wife Barbara.

Mr Beckett said: "He had sheltered himself because of Covid and had not really been keen on going out, he had chest problems.

"He's a great character, very spiritual, very modest, we're going to miss him.

"He would never take on roles that demeaned people of colour... he was often subject of a lot of racial prejudice, but he never really got angry about it. He pitied people that couldn't accept him."

Bermuda-born Cameron’s first role was in 1951 film Pool of London from where he became one of the first significant black British actors. He later featured in Doctor Who and James Bond classic movie Thunderball.

And for his services to drama he was awarded a CBE in 2009.

Tributes have been pouring in with actor David Harewood calling him a ‘legend’.

And Bermuda Premier David Burt wrote on social media: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of iconic Bermudian actor Earl Cameron."

While actor Paterson Joseph tweeted: “Giant Man. 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. RIP Earl Cameron.”

Cameron’s last acting credit came in 2010’s film Inception which also starred Leonardo Dicaprio and Ellen Page.

In his early life before acting he joined the British navy and moved to the UK in 1939.

And when he was interviewed two years ago by the BBC as he turned 100, he said he would love to see more black actors on screen

"There's a lot of talent out there and I think the British film industry would prosper by using more black talent."