James Bond star actor Sir Sean Connery has passed away in his sleep at age 90 after battling a long illness, his family have announced.
Tributes have been flowing in for the Oscar-winning actor who died in the Bahamas. He is survived by his wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stefan.
Jason revealed to BBC that his father had been surrounded by ‘many of his family’ who could make it to the Caribbean 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.
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Sir Sean Connery, whose acting career cuts across five decades, is best known as the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.
He was today praised as ‘the world’s greatest Scot and last of the real Hollywood stars’ as the acting community and beyond rallied to remember him.
Sir Sean frequently tops polls as the best Bond to have played the role following his part in Dr No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Sir Sean in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir 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.’
Hugh Jackman tweeted: “I grew up idolizing Connery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”
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