Gareth Hunt, 65

LONDON -- British actor Gareth Hunt, best known as secret agent Mike Gambit on the 1970s spy series "The New Avengers," died Wednesday at his home south of London, his agent said. He was 65.

Mr. Hunt had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago and had fought the disease "privately and bravely," said the agent, Alexandra McLean-Williams.

Born in London, Mr. Hunt joined the merchant marine at 15 and spent six years at sea before studying acting and later appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He first gained attention playing footman Frederick Norton in the long-running television series "Upstairs, Downstairs."

He is best remembered for "The New Avengers," a sequel to the 1960s spy series "The Avengers."

In the sequel, Patrick Macnee reprised his role as John Steed, while Mr. Hunt played Gambit and was joined by Joanna Lumley as Purdey, the series' glamorous martial arts expert.

The series ran for only 26 episodes.

"We started off as friends in 'The New Avengers' and remained that way for more than 30 years," Lumley said. "We shared so much laughter. We were constantly in hysterics making 'The Avengers.'

"Gambit and Purdey were quite often sent out to do bits and pieces together, so we would have scenes where we were driving or fighting people, and we had such enormous fun," she said.

In later years, Mr. Hunt appeared on British shows including "EastEnders," "Doctors," and "New Tricks."

He leaves his wife, Amanda, and three sons.