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 15:33 · Emily Goddard]

Connery was a big fan of the most recent incarnation of 007

When Daniel Craig was announced as Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond successor in 2005 for Casino Royale, Sean Connery called him a “terrific choice”. Jacob Stolworthy has more on the story:

What James Bond star thought about Daniel Craig as 007

[31 October 2020 15:28 · Emily Goddard]

FC Barcelona send ‘deepest condolences’

The Spanish football club tweeted a tribute to Connery with a picture of the actor and Ronaldinho at Camp Nou in 2005.

[31 October 2020 15:20 · Emily Goddard]

Viola Davis pays tribute

Oscar-winning actor and philanthropist Viola Davis tweets picture of “our James Bond icon”.

[31 October 2020 15:06 · Emily Goddard]

Daniel Craig: ‘He defined an era and a style’

The James Bond team shared a statement from current Bond actor Daniel Craig.

“It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema,” he said.

“Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. 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 filmmakers alike for years to come.

"My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

“Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”

[31 October 2020 14:59 · Emily Goddard]

Did you know Connery claimed Steven Seagal broke his wrist on purpose?

Connery during the making of ‘Never say, never again’ (AFP via Getty Images)

Seagal was hired as a fight choreographer on Connery’s final Bond film, Never Say Never Again, in 1983. The action star was tasked with helping Connery with martial arts sequences, but he didn’t like it when the 007 star “got a little cocky” with the moves. Jacob Stolworthy has the full story:

James Bond actor claimed Steven Seagal broke his wrist on purpose

[31 October 2020 14:43 · Emily Goddard]

‘Shaun of the Dead’ director shares tribute to ‘real screen legend’

Edgar Wright, the British director behind Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, shared his tribute to Sir Sean.

“It says something for the extraordinary charisma of this Edinburgh lad to have created the most iconic character in film & then, rather than be typecast by it, become equally famous for just being Sean Connery. A real screen legend; oft imitated (by all!) but never equalled,” he wrote on Twitter.

[31 October 2020 14:37 · Emily Goddard]

SNP’s Westminster leader pays tribute

Ian Blackford, the leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons, said: “From humble beginnings in Edinburgh Sean Connery became a global star, he was James Bond.

“He was a legend of the screen and a fine ambassador for Scotland who had a burning desire to see his country become independent. Rest in peace Sean.”

[31 October 2020 14:33 · Emily Goddard]

Dame Shirley Bassey: ‘I will always be there to cheer you on Sean’

Dame Shirley Bassey, who sung the themes to three Bond films including Goldfinger, paid tribute to Sir Sean.

She said on Twitter: “I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Sean’s passing. My thoughts are with his family. He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman and we will be forever connected by Bond.

“When we were younger I used to cheer Sean on from the sidelines whilst he played football in his team, The Showbiz 11! Well, I will always be there to cheer you on Sean! Forever in our hearts and may you rest in peace. Shirley x.”

[31 October 2020 14:20 · Emily Goddard]

Why did Sean Connery retire from film?

(AFP via Getty Images)

The late Scottish icon and Oscar winner turned his back on the big screen in 2003 and announced his decision to retire for good in 2006. But why did he do so when he undoubtedly still had some terrific performances left to give? Jacob Stolworthy takes a look:

Why the James Bond actor retired from films

[31 October 2020 14:04 · Emily Goddard]

Director  Kevin Smith says Connery’s passing ‘feels like I’m losing dad again’

The Clerks writer, director, and co-producer reflected on watching Bond films with his late father. He shared a heartbreaking message: “He was my dad’s James Bond, so dad supported Mr Connery’s career his entire life, always taking me to see any movie his fave actor was in. I have sweet memories of watching dad watch his movie idol. So Sean Connery’s passing also feels like I’m losing dad again. RIP, Dr Jones.”