Cole passed away at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in England after a short illness, and actors have paid their respects, including former James Bond star Moore, who writes on Twitter.com, "How sad to hear George Cole has gone to that great cutting room in the sky. A lovely actor. A gentleman."

Waterman, who starred alongside Cole in classic British TV series Minder in the 1970s and '80s, released a statement revealing he had seen Cole on Tuesday (04Aug15), adding, "I am so sad to hear of George's death. His family must be devastated, and I am absolutely certain that anybody who ever knew him, will feel the same... I'm so grateful to have been a friend of this wonderful man. We worked together for many years and my boast is that we laughed all day every day... He was an amazing man, a wonderful actor and besotted with his family. Farewell old friend."

Doctor Who actor/writer Mark Gatiss also praised Cole's roles on social media, writing, "A fond farewell to the marvellous George Cole. Immaculate as the young Scrooge, joyous as Flash Harry, unforgettable as Arthur Daley. RIP."