James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery dies at the age of 90

James Bond star Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his son has told the BBC.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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.

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

He said: “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.

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

Actor Sir Sean Connery has died aged 90Actor Sir Sean Connery has died aged 90
Actor Sir Sean Connery has died aged 90

He was on a number of occasions voted by fans as the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, beating Daniel Craig and Sir Roger Moore.

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

Born Thomas Sean Connery in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area on August 25 1930, the actor left school at an early age and took his first job as a milkman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

His first major step into acting came in 1957 when he secured a role in the British gangster film No Road Back.

However, it was his casting as Ian Fleming’s fictional British secret agent James Bond in 1962’s Dr No that catapulted him to stardom.

Sir Sean was initially reluctant to commit to a film series but filled the role until 1967’s You Only Live Twice, when he quit after becoming tired by the repetitive plots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was enticed back after his successor George Lazenby failed to impress fans and critics.

In the 1980s, his career was revived with The Untouchables, where his performance as an Irish policeman won him an Academy Award for best supporting actor.

Sir Sean won a new generation of fans with his compelling performance as the father of Harrison Ford’s hero in Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli was among those paying tribute.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.”

Actor Hugh Jackman also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”

Related topics: