James Bond actor Sean Connery
James Bond actor Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family has said.
The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of Bond, being the primary to bring the role to the large screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers.
Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep within the Bahamas, having been “unwell for a few times”, his son said.
His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role within the Untouchables.
Sir Sean’s other films included The search for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones, and therefore the Last Crusade, and therefore the Rock.
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Obituary: Sir Sean Connery
Jason Connery said his father “had many of his family, who might be within the Bahamas, around him” when he died overnight in Nassau. Much of the Bond film Thunderball had been filmed there.
He said: “We are all performing at understanding this huge event because it only happened so recently, albeit my dad has been unwell for a few time.
“A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a tragic loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”
His publicist Nancy Seltzer said: “There are going to be a personal ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended.”
He leaves his wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stephane.
Daniel Craig, the present Bond, said Sir Sean was “one of the true greats of cinema”.
“Sir Sean Connery is going to be remembered as Bond then far more,” he said.
“He defined an era and a method. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen might be measured in megawatts; he helped create the fashionable blockbuster.
Career
“He will still influence actors and film-makers alike for years to return. My thoughts are together with his family and loved ones.”
In regard to Sir Sean’s love of golf, he added: “Wherever he’s, I hope there’s a golf link.”
Dame Shirley Bassey, who sang the themes to 3 Bond films including Goldfinger. Paid tribute saying: “I’m incredibly saddened to listen to Sean’s passing.
“My thoughts are together with his family. He was an exquisite person, a real gentleman, and that we are going to be forever connected by Bond.”
Sir Sean, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, had his first major film appearance in 1957 British gangster film No Road Back.
He first played Bond in Dr. No in 1962 and went on to seem in five other official films – and therefore the unofficial Never Say nevermore in 1983.
He was largely considered being the simplest actor to possess played 007 within the long-running franchise, often being named intrinsically in polls.
A 20th Century movie icon
Connery made the character of Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit. Many critics didn’t love it and a few of the reviews were scathing. But the general public didn’t agree.
The action scenes, sex, and exotic locations were a winning formula.
In truth, his Bond is now a museum piece; the portrayal of girls impossibly dated. The action scenes are still thrilling, but the sex too often bordered on the non-consensual.
Thankfully, it has been a short time since 007 slapped a lady on the backside and made a kiss. But Connery’s performance was of its time, enjoyed by many both sexes and gave the silver screen a 20th Century icon.
James Bond actor Sean Connery: Movies
He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000. In August, he celebrated his 90th birthday.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “devastated by the news” of his death.
They said: “He was and shall always be remembered because the original Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words ‘the name’s Bond… James Bond’.
“He revolutionized the planet together with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic spy. He’s undoubtedly largely liable for the success of the film series and that we shall be forever grateful to him.”
Star Wars director Lucas, who also created the Indiana Jones character, said Sir Sean “left an indelible mark in cinematic history”.
“He will always hold a special place in my heart as Indy’s dad. With an air of intelligent authority and sly sense of comedic mischief, only someone like Sean Connery could render Indiana Jones immediately into boyish regret or relief through a stern fatherly chiding or rejoiceful hug.
“I’m thankful for having had the great fortune to possess known and worked with him. My thoughts are together with his family.”
Just the seven as 007 – Connery’s Bond movies
- Dr. No (1962)
- From Russia amorously (1963)
- Goldfinger (1964)
- Thunderball (1965)
- You Only Live Twice (1967)
- Diamonds are Forever (1971)
- Never Say nevermore (1983)
Sir Sean was a long-time supporter of Scottish independence, saying in interviews within the run-up to the 2014 referendum that he might return from his Bahamas home to measure in Scotland if it voted to interrupt faraway from the remainder of the united kingdom.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I was heartbroken to find out this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one among her best-loved songs.
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Scottish tributes to ‘global legend’ Sir Sean Connery
“Sean was born into a labor Edinburgh family and thru talent and sheer diligence, became a world film icon and one among the world’s most accomplished actors. Sean is going to be remembered best as Bond – the classic 007 – but his roles were many and varied.
“He was a worldwide legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot. His towering presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth. Sean was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and people folks who share that belief owe him an excellent debt of gratitude.”
Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland, who was close friends with Sir Sean, described him as “the world’s greatest Scot, the last of the important Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond”.
Alex said: “Sean Connery was all of those things but far more. He was also a staunch patriot, a deep thinker, and an impressive person .”
He added: “‘Scotland Forever’ wasn’t just tattooed on his forearm but was imprinted on his soul.”
