Shane Rimmer dead: Thunderbirds' Scott Tracy, James Bond star 'dies age 89'

Rimmer appeared in three James Bond movies; Diamonds Are Forever, You Only Live Twice and The Spy Who Loved Me. He was also briefly in the original Star Wars film A New Hope, as well as Superman II. But it’s for his voice work as Scott Tracy in Gerry Anderson’s iconic Thunderbirds for which he is perhaps best-remembered. He played the Thunderbird 1 pilot in the original 1964-1966 series, and even drafted the story for the penultimate episode, Ricochet.

According to the official Gerry Anderson website, he has passed away at the age of 89.

His death was marked on Twitter by Bond expert Mark O’Connell and producer Jonathan Sothcott.

Sothcott wrote: “RIP that fine character actor SHANE RIMMER – a great face (and voice) in some of the best loved family films of the 70s: THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, WARLORDS OF ATLANTIS, STAR WARS. Thunderbirds. Amazing career. #ShaneRimmer.”

O’Connell wrote: “Four Bond bullets, three SUPERMAN movies, one STAR WARS, a ROLLERBALL, a DR STRANGELOVE and Scott Tracy…

“RIP to the godfather of “I know that guy” casting – Mr Shane Rimmer.”

Bond collector Reuben Wakeman said: “Really sad to hear of the passing of Shane Rimmer. The three time Bond actor has died at the age of 89.

“I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago and he was a charming gentlemen who was very happy to chat all things 007. RIP Mr Rimmer

ITV’s Mike Griffiths said: “Sad to hear Shane Rimmer, who played Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds, has died. Unforgettable voice!”

And puppet-maker Duncan Willis wrote: “So sad to hear news of the passing of Shane Rimmer.

“Shane was a lovely man. He was so kind and modest and unassuming, despite his legendary status in fandom.

“My sincere condolences to Sheila, his widow, who I had the great pleasure to meet several times, along with Shane.”

Writer Colin Smith posted: “RIP Shane Rimmer. A fine actor with an amazing career involving a whole string of films & TV shows that are very, very dear to my heart.

“And to my 4 year old self, the voice of Scott Tracy, the aural embodiment of decency & daring. My hero. Sleep well, Mr Rimmer. Thank you.”