David Hedison

Early life and professional name

Born as Albert David Hedison Jr. in Providence, Rhode Island, he adopted the shorter stage name David Hedison early in his career. Hedison began performing professionally in the postwar era, appearing in theatre and in guest roles on television before landing more regular screen work. His early training and stage experience helped him move comfortably between leads and supporting parts throughout his career.

Television and notable roles

Hedison starred as Victor Sebastian in the short-lived espionage series Five Fingers, and he became a familiar television presence as Captain Lee Crane on Irwin Allen's adventure series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Those parts established him as a capable leading man for genre television during the 1950s and 1960s, and he later returned frequently to guest roles on a variety of dramatic programs.

Film work and James Bond appearances

On film Hedison took a number of supporting and character parts. He is perhaps best known to international audiences for playing CIA agent Felix Leiter in two James Bond pictures: Live and Let Die and, many years later, Licence to Kill. His repeated portrayal of Leiter—appearing opposite different actors portraying Bond—made him one of the actors who have returned to the same Bond ally in nonconsecutive entries in the franchise.

Personal life and legacy

Hedison was the father of two daughters, Serena and Alexandra Hedison. Alexandra Hedison is married to the actress and director Jodie Foster. David Hedison died on July 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 92. He is remembered for a steady, decades-long career that touched several popular genres and for a handful of roles that continue to be recognized by TV and film enthusiasts.

• Television: Five Fingers; Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
• Film (selected): Live and Let Die; Licence to Kill
• Notable fact: One of the few actors to reprise the role of Felix Leiter in more than one Bond film.