Sean Connery death: Tributes pour in for Scottish James Bond actor

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a screen icon

Sean Connery dies aged 90

The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of Sean Connery.

Connery, who died overnight in his sleep, aged 90, was one of Hollywood’s best-loved stars.

He was most famous for playing James Bond, a role he made his own in seven films from 1962’s Dr No up until Never Say Never Again in 1983.

Tributes are pouring in for the Scottish star, whose other credits included The Man Who Would Be King (1975), Time Bandits (1981) and Steven Spielberg’s 1989 sequel Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  

He also won an Oscar for Brian De Palma’s 1987 gangster film The Untouchables.

Follow along for tributes to Connery as they roll in.

Sean Connery has died, aged 90

• People behind James Bond ‘devastated’
• Family of Sir Roger Moore pay tribute to ‘best ever James Bond’
• Sean Connery found it a drag being synonymous with British spy
• Scotland’s first minister: ‘Nation mourns one of her best loved sons’
• Dame Shirley Bassey: ‘I will always be there to cheer you on Sean’
• Daniel Craig: ‘He defined an era and a style’
• Connery has left an indelible mark on our film community, says The Academy
• Obituary: The actor who gave James Bond a licence to thrill

[31 October 2020 13:55 · Emily Goddard]

Pinewood Studios says actor will be 'forever cherished'

The London studio where most of the Bond films were filmed tweeted: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Sir Sean Connery. Memories of this outstanding actor and his unforgettable embodiment of superspy James Bond will forever be cherished at Pinewood.”

[31 October 2020 13:49 · Emily Goddard]

Scotland’s first minister says ‘nation mourns one of her best loved sons’

Nicola Sturgeon wrote on Twitter: “I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons. Sean was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent and sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world's most accomplished actors. Sean will be remembered best as James Bond – the classic 007 – but his roles were many and varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot – his towering presence at the opening of @ScotParl in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth.”

She said Connery was “a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude”.

Sturgeon added: “It was a privilege to have known Sean. When I last spoke to him it was clear even then that his health was failing – but the voice, the spirit and the passion that we all loved so well were still there. I will miss him. Scotland will miss him. The world will miss him. My thoughts and condolences are with Micheline, their children and all the family. RIP Sir Sean Connery.”

[31 October 2020 13:42 · Emily Goddard]

Sean Connery found it a drag being so synonymous with James Bond

The actor may have played the British spy in seven films, but he wasn’t always happy to be associated with the role. Jacob Stolworthy, our culture reporter, explains why:

Why actor ‘hated’ James Bond after playing him seven times

[31 October 2020 13:37 · Emily Goddard]

Family of Sir Roger Moore pay tribute to ‘best ever James Bond’

[31 October 2020 13:25 · Emily Goddard]

People behind James Bond ‘devastated’

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: “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.”

[31 October 2020 13:22 · Emily Goddard]

Good afternoon from the news desk, where we are bringing you the latest tributes to Sir Sean Connery as the flood in from around the world.