London, Jul 12 (IANS): Joseph ‘Tiger Joe Robinson, best known for his role as a doomed jewel smuggler in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever", has passed away. He was 90.
The British star died in the seaside town Brighton on July 3 following a short illness, his family has said, reports dailymail.co.uk.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Robinson followed father Joseph Robinson Senior and grandfather Joseph's footsteps by entering the world of professional wrestling. His sporting career was cut short after he suffered a back injury while wrestling in Paris - prompting him to focus on acting.
He won roles in a string of films throughout the 1950s and 1960s like "A Kid For Two Farthings", "Thor" and the "Amazon Woman". But it was his role as diamond smuggler Peter Franks in the 1971 Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" that won him wider recognition.
He is survived by a daughter, Polly.