Sean Connery, the Scottish actor whose five-decade-long movie career, best known by the role of James Bond, has died at the age of 90.
The actor “died peacefully in his sleep,” publicist Nancy Seltzer said in a statement Saturday.
“His wife Micheline and his two sons, Jason and Stephane have confirmed
that he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family.
There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended.”
Connery, who was awarded a knighthood in 2000 for his contribution to the arts, played the British spy in seven movies, beginning with “Dr. No” in 1962, the first of the Bond movies.
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Connery starred in an Alfred Hitchcock film, 1964’s “Marnie,” opposite Tippi Hedren; was part of the all-star cast in 1974’s “Murder on the Orient Express”; played Indiana Jones’ father, in 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”; and won an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance as Chicago cop Jim Malone in the 1987 film “The Untouchables.”
But like so many characters in the Bond films, he could never quite escape 007.
He gave up the role twice before finally ending his involvement with 1983’s puckishly titled “Never Say Never Again.”
Actor Daniel Craig
the most recent Bond, said Connery had “defined an era and a style” and was one of cinema’s true greats.
“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,” said Craig in a statement shared by the official 007 Twitter account.
Actor Hugh Jackman tweeted:
“I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”
