Canada’s former ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, has died.
He’s best remembered for his role in helping six Americans escape during the hostage crisis of 1979.
Taylor sheltered them for months and helped them escape with fake passports.
The so-called ”Canadian Caper” inspired the 2012 movie ”Argo” which won an Oscar for best picture.
Victor Garber portrayed Taylor, who died in a New York hospital Thursday after battling colon cancer.
His funeral will reportedly take place in Toronto later this month.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement on Taylor’s death.
”It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Ken Taylor. As Canada’s Ambassador to Iran during the Iranian Revolution, Taylor valiantly risked his own life by shielding a group of American diplomats from capture. Ken Taylor represented the very best that Canada’s foreign service has to offer.”