Actor Sean Connery, best known for playing fictional character James Bond, has died at the age of 90.
Connery, who was the first actor to bring Bond to the big screen, died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, according to his son Jason, who revealed Sir Sean had been "unwell for some time," per BBC News.
Sir Sean was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1930 and appeared in seven James Bond movies from 1962 to 1983. He featured as the British spy in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds are Forever, and Never Say Never Again.
Much of Thunderball's filming was done in Nassau, where Connery died overnight.
Films outside the Bond franchise include The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Rock. Sir Sean's acting career spanned five decades. He retired in 2007, returning briefly for a voice acting gig in Sir Billi the Vet in 2012.
Connery won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables, as well as two Golden Globe Awards.
Jason said his father "had many of his family, who could be in the Bahamas, around him" when he passed.
"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 added. "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."
Sir Sean leaves behind his wife Micheline and two sons Jason and Stephane.
His publicist, Nancy Seltzer, says the former actor will be buried on the back of a private ceremony, a memorial service will follow whenever the pandemic is under control.
Daniel Craig, currently James Bond, described Connery as "one of the true greats of cinema".
"Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more," Craig declared. "He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; 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."
TheRichest offers condolences to Sir Sean's family and loved ones.
R.I.P Sean Connery - 25 August 1930 to 31 October 2020
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