James Bond actor Sean Connery has passed away at 90

The Scotsman, whose acting career spanned decades, won an Oscar for his performance as a police officer in The Untouchables.

Acting legend Sean Connery has passed away at 90 years of age.

The Oscar-winning actor celebrated his 90th birthday in August. The cause of his death is not yet known.

The Scotsman, whose acting career spanned decades, won an Oscar for his performance as a police officer in The Untouchables.

He is best known for his role as James Bond was the first to bring the role of 007 to the big screen in Dr No in 1962.

He went on to appear as Bond in five other official films and once more in the unofficial Never Say Never Again in 1983.

Sean Connery as James Bond.

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

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.

Connery has just under 100 credits to his name including memorable performances in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock.

Current 007, Daniel Craig, released a statement via the official James Bond Twitter account.

"It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema.

"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 film-makers alike for years to come.

"My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."

I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/OU9QEy5fTB

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) October 31, 2020

RIP Sir Sean Connery.. a trailblazer, a true legend and a gentleman https://t.co/hkLwouejZI

— Robert Carlyle (@robertcarlyle_) October 31, 2020

Every day on set with #SeanConnery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power- that was utterly unique to Sean . RIP that great man , that great actor . https://t.co/W8MQrFYlJ0

— Sam Neill (@TwoPaddocks) October 31, 2020

 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was heartbroken to learn the news and the nation is mourning 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."

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to the beloved actor 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.”

Additional reporting by Press Association