Veteran broadcaster David Frost, who won fame around the world for his interview with former U.S. President Richard Nixon, has died, his family told the BBC. He was 74.


Frost died of a heart attack on Saturday night aboard the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, where he was due to give a speech, the family said. The cruise company Cunard said its vessel had left the English port of Southampton on Saturday for a 10-day cruise in the Mediterranean.


Known for incisive interviews of leading public figures, Frost spent more than 50 years as a television star.


British Prime Minister David Cameron was quick to send his condolences and tweeted: "My heart goes out to David Frost's family. He could be — and certainly was with me — both a friend and a fearsome interviewer.


The BBC said it received a statement from Frost's family saying it was devastated and asking "for privacy at this difficult time."


It said a family funeral will be held in the near future and details of a memorial service will be announced later.