I’ve been running a James Bond 007 RPG campaign for some friends lately, so I’ve had Bond on the brain for the last few weeks. That said, I thought it fitting to note the passing of actor Joseph Wiseman, who portrayed the nefarious German-Chinese mad scientist Dr. No in the first (decent) Bond flick, Dr. No.

Though Wiseman’ portrayal of Dr. No could be construed as a case of yellowface, I think doing so undermines what was a wonderful, over-the-top performance that set the tone for all the Bond villains that followed. Wiseman continued to act through the mid-90′s, though his role as Bond’s first nemesis remained his most famous.

Wiseman passed away in New York City on October, 19th, 2009. He was 91. At the time of his death he was the last remaining Bond villain of the Connery era.