Tributes are flowing today following the sad news that Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90.
The Scottish actor, best known for being the first and arguably the best James Bond, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas his family announced today.
The screen legend had been “unwell for some time”, his son, Jason Connery said.
Jason said his father had many family with him as he passed away overnight in Nassau.
“We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time,” he said.
“A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”
His publicist confirmed that a private ceremony for Sir Sean would be followed by a memorial “once the virus has ended”.
Bond movie producer Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said today they were “devastated” by the news of his death.
In a statement on Twitter the pair said, “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.”
While Star Wars director, George Lucas, who also directed Sir Sean in his role as Indiana Jones’ father in the successful movie franchise said he’d left “an indelible mark” on cinema history.
On Twitter, the family of fellow Bond icon, the late Sir Roger Moore wrote, “How infinitely sad to hear the news Sir Sean Connery has passed away. He and Roger were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP.”
He is survived by his wife, Micheline and sons Jason and Stephane.
