Shane Rimmer death: Voice of Thunderbirds and Scott Tracy dies aged 89

Actor Shane Rimmer, who voiced Scott Tracy in hit show Thunderbirds has died aged 89.

The news was announced by his wife Sheila on The Official Gerry Anderson Website, the co-creator of Thunderbirds’ page.

Rimmer died at his home in the early hours of Friday morning surrounded by family. The cause of death has not been revealed.

James Bond historian Mark O’Connell and producer Jonathan Sothcott were among the first to pay tribute to Rimmer online.

Sothcott hailed Rimmer a “fine character actor” in a touching post dedicated to the late star.

He 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 shared a collage of Rimmer’s hit films and a string of his biggest successful roles before hailing him the “Godfather of ‘I know that guy.’”

Rimmer moved to the UK during his twenties after auditioning for his iconic role as Scott in the pilot episode of Thunderbirds in 1964.

As well as becoming the famous voice in the original series, he reprised his role in hit films Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6.

He went on to achieve mass success, landing roles in Hollywood blockbusters Star Wars: Episode IV, Batman Begins and a string of James Bond movies including Roger Moore’s The Spy Who Loved Me.

Rimmer also made a string of TV appearances including his role as Joe Donnelli in Coronation Street and an appearance in Doctor Who episode The Gunfighters.

Standard Online has contacted representatives of Rimmer for comment.