Robert Vaughn dead: Man from Uncle and Superman III actor dies, aged 83

Mr Vaughn is best known for his roles in Man From UNCLE and Superman III

Robert Vaughn (left) as Napoleon Solo in The Man from UNCLE, popular TV series in the 1960s

Robert Vaughn has died aged 83 after a short battle with acute leukaemia.

The actor, best known for his roles in Man From UNCLE and Superman III, died 11 days before his 84th birthday with his family by his bedside, according to his manager, Matthew Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife, actress Linda, and his two children, Cassidy and Caitlin Vaughn.

Mr Sullivan, who represented the actor for 30 years, said Vaughn was “the most wonderful human being” and confirmed he died with his family around him.

Mr Vaughn was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar and Golden Globe for his early role in The Young Philadelphians and in 2012 he became the first major American star to feature on Coronation Street.

He played Milton Fanshaw, a wealthy American who met Sylvia Goodwin, played by Stephanie Cole, on a cruise, and later became a familiar face on British television with his role in the BBC show Hustle where he played conman Albert Stroller from 2004 to 2012.

Mr Sullivan added: “He had a blast doing Hustle for the BBC, he loved that show and him and Linda loved living in London, it was one of his greatest joys doing that show.

“Even at 83, women would still come up to the table to talk to him.”

The Man From UNCLE saw Mr Vaughn's Solo paired with David McCallum's blond Russian Illya Kuryakin, in roles that were revived by Superman actor Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer for Guy Ritchie's big screen reboot in 2015.

Mr Sullivan added that the actor enjoyed seeing a new version of the spy story that made him famous. He said: “He and Linda were living in Connecticut and the studio hired out an entire cinema for them to watch the movie.

“He did enjoy it. He loved passing on what was next.”

Since the announcement of his death, tributes have begun flooding in for the star on on social media.

Comedian and writer Stephen Fry tweeted: "Oh no. Robert Vaughn, such a fine actor, one of the best Columbo villains (no higher praise than that) and an utterly charming man, has died."

Former James Bond actor Roger Moore that he was sorry to hear the news of the actor's death.

Fans have described themselves as "disappointed" after hearing the news, with one praising him for an "eclectic career".

Before his death Mr Vaughn was being treated in hospitals in New York and Connecticut, according to his spokesman.

Press Association contributed to this report