PARIS — Famed Anglo-French actor Michael Lonsdale, who played the iconic Hugo Drax opposite Roger Moore’s James Bond in 1979′s “Moonraker,” died Monday at the age of 89.
"We are very sad to learn of the passing of Michael Lonsdale, who played Hugo Drax in Moonraker. He was an extraordinarily talented actor and a very dear friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time” – Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. pic.twitter.com/oMepLcSP0d
— James Bond (@007) September 21, 2020
Lonsdale’s extensive career spanned six decades and encompassed more than 200 film and stage roles, including film credits for “The Day of the Jackal,” “Ronin” and “Munich,” BBC News reported.
The child of a French mother and a British father, Lonsdale “was a man consumed by his art,” whose final performance was in the short 2019 film for the Opera of Paris, “Degas et Moi” (“Degas and Me”), The Washington Post reported.
Lonsdale’s agent of 20 years, Olivier Loiseau confirmed the actor’s “peaceful” death of “old age” to The Associated Press.
According to BBC News, Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli called Lonsdale an “extraordinarily talented actor and a very dear friend.”
Meanwhile, the official Twitter account for the late Sir Roger Moore described his character as “a smooth-tongued and cultured adversary to 007.”
Terribly saddened to learn Michael Lonsdale has also passed away today. As Hugo Drax he was a smooth-tongued and cultured adversary to 007 in Moonraker. pic.twitter.com/qoBbziZlZ9
— Sir Roger Moore (Legacy) (@sirrogermoore) September 21, 2020
A host of colleagues and fans paid tribute to Lonsdale via social media.
In memory of Michael Lonsdale, the secret agent of cinematic modernity, whose intense artistic curiosity led him wherever it was happening and whose exacting artistry made it happen wherever he was. https://t.co/pVAeis2KpT
— Richard Brody (@tnyfrontrow) September 21, 2020
Michael Lonsdale, a legend who will be missed but not forgotten!
— Jean-Claude Van Damme (@JCVD) September 21, 2020
My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this sad time.
💙 #MichaelLonsdale
Sincerely #JCVD
RIP Michael Lonsdale, a long, brilliant career, AND one of the finest and most quotable Bond villains. https://t.co/9EabTDg7Eq
— James Moran (@jamesmoran) September 21, 2020
RIP #MichaelLonsdale one of the most underrated, nuanced Bond villains. Magnificent actor. A class act through and through. pic.twitter.com/hCYZWkwKsE
— JONATHAN SOTHCOTT (@sothcott) September 21, 2020
- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group