Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who served as a key diplomat during the Cold War era, died at the age of 100.

He served as the first Jewish U.S. Secretary of State under Republican President Richard Nixon in the 1970s, among other roles.

Henry Kissinger, dominant US diplomat of Cold War era, dies aged 100 https://t.co/zh7NNibOT5 pic.twitter.com/ggnPno0Hi3

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 30, 2023

His work

"Kissinger was at the height of his powers during the 1970s in the middle of the Cold War when he served as national security adviser and secretary of state under Republican President Richard Nixon," Reuters reported.

"After Nixon's resignation in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal, he remained a diplomatic force as secretary of state under Nixon's successor, President Gerald Ford. Kissinger was the architect of the U.S. diplomatic opening with China, landmark U.S.-Soviet arms control talks, expanded ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and the Paris Peace Accords with North Vietnam," it added.

Henry Kissinger, secretary of state under Presidents Nixon and Ford, dies at 100 https://t.co/eCLprLg4nn

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 30, 2023

His background

"A Jew who fled Nazi Germany with his family in his teens, Kissinger in his later years cultivated the reputation of respected statesman, giving speeches, offering advice to Republicans and Democrats alike and managing a global consulting business," the Associated Press reported.

"He turned up in President Donald Trump’s White House on multiple occasions," it continued.

I grew up hearing and knowing this name. Henry Kissinger, diplomat who helped to reshape the world, dies at 100. Thank you for your service. pic.twitter.com/Yt9w3XUu7Y

— Fredrick Cager (@FredrickCager) November 30, 2023

A longtime consultant

"Through the years, he was frequently called upon to lend an air of authority on global affairs to would-be candidates. In February 2015, Michael Crowley noted that many presidential hopefuls still considered it something of a necessity to pay a visit to Kissinger," Politico reported.

“Candidates running for president like to be seen with or described as having talked to Kissinger,” one expert said, “because they think it sends a message that they themselves are serious about foreign policy.”

Among his other notable achievements, Kissinger won a Nobel Peace Prize and was the bestselling author of numerous books.

Kissinger was a household name for many during the 1970s and beyond, serving at the top of government during turbulent times.

His century of life has now passed, leaving a massive legacy to be studied by future generations concerning his impact on American and world history.