Robert Vaughn has died today following a short battle with acute leukemia, aged 83-years-old.
The actor was best known for his role as the secret agent Napoleon Solo in The Man from UNCLE, but also starred as evil oil magnate Ross Webster opposite Richard Pryor and Christopher Reeve in Superman III. His performance in 1959's The Young Philadelphians earned him both an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Vaughn was also known for his TV roles in the likes of The Magnificent Seven, Bullitt, The Towering Inferno, and most recently, Coronation Street.
His manager Matthew Sullivan confirmed the news in a press statement. "Mr. Vaughn passed away with his family around him."
He is survived by his wife Linda and two children, Cassidy and Caitlin Vaughn.
Tributes have been pouring in for the actor on social media;
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.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) November 11, 2016
Sorry to hear the news about Robert Vaughn.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) November 11, 2016
#RIPRobertVaughn. The last of the Magnificent Seven, dead. YOUR SYMBOLISM IS LIKE A SLEDGEHAMMER, 2016.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2016
Me and @DavidWalliams were lucky enough to work with Robert Vaughn on 'Little Britain USA'. He was lovely and brilliant. A great loss.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) November 11, 2016