Hollywood is mourning the loss of a legendary actor.
Sir Sean Connery, who’s known for being the first actor to portray James Bond on film, passed away in his sleep on Saturday (October 31).
His son, Jason Connery, tells BBC that his father died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas and “had many of his family, who could be in the Bahamas, around him.”
“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.”
According to Sir Sean’s publicist, Nancy Seltzer, “There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended.”
Although no official cause of death has been given, his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, recently opened up about Sir Sean’s passing and revealed that he had battled dementia.
“It was no life for him. It took its toll on him. He was not able to express himself latterly,” she told the Mail on Sunday. She adds that he “got his final wish to slip away without any fuss.”
“At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted,” she shared.
Beyond portraying the super spy on film, Sean continued to have a storied career, going on to star in several iconic and beloved movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,
Following news of his passing, the actor’s countless fans, friends and co-stars paid tribute to the late actor.
The James Bond official Twitter account shared a message from producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery,” the statement began. “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,” the statement continued.
Kim Basinger, who shared the screen with Sean Connery in his last Bond film, Never Say Never, shared a tribute on Instagram. “Very sad day…This film Never say Never was the film that introduced me to my world audience.. I Will always be grateful and indebted to Sean and his wife Michelin Connery. This was one of the first and greatest adventures of my professional life.. my love and prayers go out to his family. Love you Sean.. There Will never be another you… On or off the screen.”
Fellow James Bond alum Pierce Brosnan, went on Instagram on Saturday to pay tribute to the late actor.
“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 splendor that will live on forever,” he wrote. “You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic foot steps. 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 concluded.
Daniel Craig also honored his fellow James Bond. “It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more,” Daniel said in a statement. “He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come.”
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” he continued. “Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, went on Twitter to pay his respects to the legendary actor, writing, “Sean Connery was a legend, one of the greatest actors of all time. He provided endless entertainment for all of us & inspiration for me. I’m not just saying that because he was a bodybuilder who placed in the Mr. Universe contest! He was an icon. My thoughts are with his family.”
“I’m very sorry to hear about Sean’s passing. He seemed much younger than 90; I expected – and hoped– he’d be with us much longer. See you up there, Sean,” Robert De Niro said in a statement.
Catherin Zeta-Jones, who starred with Sean in Entrapment, wrote on Instagram, “Farewell my friend. I love you Sean Connery with all my heart. Until we meet again, I will cherish every moment I shared with you. My love to Micheline and the family. Love ‘the kid,'” she wrote.
“I admired Sean so much. I was happiest when I was working with him – his wisdom, humbleness, and extreme honesty has guided me ever since I met him. He was my friend and greatest teacher in cinema. The first movie star to lead the way in combining drama, action adventure, and comedy. He did it all effortlessly and with dignity. Maestro, you will be missed,” his The Rock co-star, Nicholas Cage, expressed in a statement.
Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Sir Sean in The Untouchables, also shared, via a statement, “I, like the rest of the world, was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sean Connery this morning. Sean was a crafted actor who was enormously proud of his body of work, particularly his work on stage. And although he was a very no-nonsense person, he was incredibly inclusive with me professionally and personally. He was the biggest star that I ever worked with and I will be forever grateful to be linked with him on film. Sean Connery was a man’s man who had an amazing career.”
“Every day on set with #SeanConnery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power- that was utterly unique to Sean . RIP that great man , that great actor,” Sam Neil, who co-starred with him in The Hunt For Red October, tweeted.
Outlander star Sam Heughan also went on the platform to share, “Icon. What a career. So sad, god rest you Sir Sean.”
Hugh Jackman paid tribute to Sir Sean, sharing a photo of the late actor as 007, writing, “I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”
“Often, actors fall into categories or ‘types.’ They find themselves being compared to others who display similar attributes. But once in a while, there r those who break the mold & shatter the norm to become a one of a kind. Brando. Nicholson. Connery. Today we lost a one of kind,” Josh Gad wrote.
Director Paul Feig tweeted, “Few were cooler, few more suave, few more effortless. He showed us all how it could be done and he thrilled and entertained us the entire time. RIP Sir Sean Connery.”
Rest in peace, Sir Sean Connery. Legends are forever.
