Sean Connery, Oscar Winner and First James Bond, Passes Away at 90

Sean Connery, the beloved Scottish actor considered the ultimate James Bond by millions of fans, has died at the age of 90.

Sean Connery Passes Away

The BBC reported the sad news Saturday, noting the actor died peacefully in his sleep while in the Bahamas, where Connery has been living the past few years. Jason Connery, son of the legendary actor, said his dad was surrounded by many of his family in his final days.

“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.”

Connery made his debut in the first Bond film, Dr. No in 1962 and went on to play the iconic spy in six subsequent films. The official James Bond Twitter handle shared a statement.

“Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli: ‘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,'” it began. “‘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.'”

But Sean Connery was known for so much more than Bond. Connery’s resume was stacked, with some of his best roles being in The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Rock. He also won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work as an Irish cop in The Untouchables. The actor’s last appearance came in 2003 in Stephen Norrington’s The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.

Sir Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. The tributes and memories are already flooding in on social media.

Alex Salmond, former First Minister of Scotland, released a lengthy tribute to his long-time friend on Twitter.

“The world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond,” he wrote. “Sean Connery was all of these things, but much more. He was also a staunch patriot, a deep thinker and outstanding human being. I have had the rare privilege of being his friend for more than thirty years and enjoyed every single moment of his company and talk.”

Hugh Jackman expressed what many fans are thinking today.

“I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery,” he wrote on Twitter. “A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”

Entertainment Hub sends our condolences to the Connery family, friends, and his legion of fans.