Former 007 Sir Sean Connery Dies Aged 90

The former James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery has died aged 90.

His son Jason told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been “unwell for some time”.

Jason Connery said his father “had many of his family, who could be in the Bahamas, around him” when he died.

“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.”

At 16, the Bond actor enlisted in the Royal Navy but was discharged three years later on medical grounds after suffering a stomach ulcer.

The Ministry of Defence tweeted about the actor’s death, acknowledging his service in the Royal Navy.

In 1962, Sir Sean went on to play the world’s most famous fictional Royal Navy officer, Commander (James) Bond.

The Scottish actor was the first to bring the role of 007 to the big screen and appeared in seven of the spy thrillers between 1962 and 1983.

His five-decade career saw him win an Oscar, two Baftas and three Golden Globes.

He was knighted in the 2000 New Year Honours for services to film drama.

He celebrated his 90th birthday in August.

Pierce Brosnan, who starred as the secret agent in four films, said each subsequent Bond looked to Sir Sean “with reverence and admiration”.

He said: “Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever.

“You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic footsteps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role.

“You were mighty in every way, as an actor, and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time. You were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace,” he added.

Daniel Craig has hailed the fellow James Bond actor as “one of the true greats of cinema”, adding that5 he hopes that “wherever he is there’s a golf course”.

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are among those who also have paid tribute.

They said in a statement: “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.”

Stars including Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner, Sir Michael Caine, and Hugh Jackman have also paid tribute to the late actor.

Sir Sean’s other notable films included Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Highlander and The Hunt For Red October.

Cover image: The Princess Royal presenting the special Bafta silver mask 'Tribute Award' to Sean Connery at the Odeon in Leicester Square, London, on 7 October 1990 (Picture: PA).