x

Welcome to MI6 Headquarters

This is the world's most visited unofficial James Bond 007 website with daily updates, news & analysis of all things 007 and an extensive encyclopaedia. Tap into Ian Fleming's spy from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig with our expert online coverage and a rich, colour print magazine dedicated to spies.

Learn More About MI6 & James Bond →

'Never Say Never Again' actor Ronald Pickup dies aged 80

03-Mar-2021 • Actor News

British actor Donal Pickup, who played government official 'Elliot' in the 1983 rogue James Bond production , has died at the age of 80.

He was active in television, film, and theatre, beginning with a 1964 appearance in Doctor Who. In the 1970s, he had roles in classic films 'The Day of the Jackal' and 'The Thirty Nine Steps.' His other major screen roles included Prince Yakimov in Fortunes of War (1987) and opposite future 007 Pierce Brosnan in 'The Fourth Protocol' (1987).

He enjoyed global fame after playing Norman in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (2012). He reprised the role in the sequel, 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' (2015). In the 2017 film 'Darkest Hour', Pickup portrayed Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain as he cedes power to Winston Churchill in the early months of World War II.

Pickup died on 24 February 2021 following a long illness, aged 80. He is survived by his wife Lans Traverse and their two children: Rachel Pickup, an actress, and Simon Pickup.

Open in a new window/tab