Elsewhere on the list was horror author Stephen King in third place, followed by Tom Clancy, best known for his 1984 novel The Hunt for Red October.

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Jones, whose film credits include Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October, remains best known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.

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Thompson has acted in more than 30 films, including The Hunt for Red October, and he is well-known for playing the character Arthur Branch on the highly rated Law and Order television program.

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After serving a custodial sentence, the filmmaker - who also directed The Hunt for Red October and Predator - will be on supervised release for three years.

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Connery's film career, which spans more than 30 years, includes Dr No, Goldfinger, The Name of the Rose, First Knight, Hunt for Red October and Highlander.

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