BRITISH filmmaker Lewis Gilbert - who directed three James Bond films - has died aged 97 at his home in Monaco.He made his Bond debut in 1967 with You Only Live Twice, before continuing with the franchise to direct The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli tonight paid tribute to the movie legend.In a written statement they said: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend Lewis Gilbert."Lewis was a true gentleman.He made an enormous contribution to the British film industry as well as the Bond films."His films are not only loved by us but are considered classics within the series.He will be sorely missed." Gilbert dead was born in London in 1920.He spent time as a child actor before directing war films including Carve Her Name with Pride.In 1967 he was nominated for an Oscar for directing Alfie.Thirty years later he was made a CBE and received a fellowship from the British Film Institute in 2001.Comedian David Walliams thanked Gilbert for "for all the joy you brought me and millions of others" while paying tribute on Twitter.A James Bond fan site From Sweden With Love wrote the director died on February 23.
