SIR Sean Connery has died, at the age of 90, his family has said.
His son, actor Jason Connery, said his father died peacefully in his sleep, while in the Bahamas, having been “unwell for some time”. He was surrounded by family.
The Scotsman was the first actor to portray the fictional spy, 007, and went on to appear in seven of the Bond films, among them Dr No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, and the last being Never Say Never Again in 1983 – and is considered to be the best actor to have played Bond, as voted in numerous polls though the years.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli led the tributes in a series of tweets today, saying: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words – “The name’s Bond… James Bond” — he revolutionised the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent. He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him."
UK television host, Piers Morgan, summed up how many feel about Connery's portrayal as Bond in his Tweet:
RIP Sir Sean Connery, 90.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 31, 2020
The first James Bond.
The best James Bond.
What sad news. pic.twitter.com/nT3Cx4oShv
Connery was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000. In August this year, he celebrated his 90th birthday.
His acting career spanned decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role as an Irish cop in The Untouchables.
Fans and celebrities alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary actor, who also starred in The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones and Last Crusade.
I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/OU9QEy5fTB
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) October 31, 2020
Connery, as suave James Bond, made famous the line for ordering his favourite drink: "Shaken, not stirred," which subsequent 007s carried on with.
Connery is survived by his second wife, Micheline Roquebrune, whom he married in 1975; his son by first wife Diane Cilento, actor Jason Connery; and a grandson from Jason's marriage to actress Mia Sara. – The Vibes, October 31, 2020
