Sean Connery, best known as the original James Bond as well as appearances in films such as ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,’ has died at 90…
Academy Award winning actor Sean Connery has died at the age of 90.
The news was announced by his family on Saturday while adding that he died his sleep at his residence in the Bahamas.
“[My dad] had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him,” Connery’s son Jason said in the statement. “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 first came to prominence in 1962 when he was the first actor to portray British super spy James Bond in the film “Dr. No.” Initially, Connery was undecided about taking the role but knew if the James Bond films became a success, it would make his career.
In the end, Connery played James Bond a total of seven times between 1962 and 1983 with most believing he was the definitive version of the character.
“It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema,” Daniel Craig, who currently portrays James Bond, said in a statement.
“Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style,” Craig continued. “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.”
In addition to the James Bond movies, Connery had numerous roles in other high profile films including “The Untouchables” in 1987 when he starred opposite Kevin Costner in the movie about an FBI agent’s mission to bring Al Capone to justice. Connery won Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars for his portrayal of beat cop Jim Malone in the film.
Connery also famously played Dr. Henry Jones — father to Indiana Jones — in the 1989 film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” where he starred opposite Harrison Ford.
Beyond those roles, Connery also had parts in two “Highlander” movies, “The Hunt for Red October,” “First Knight,” “The Rock,” and “A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” which was his final on camera role in 2003.
In 2006, Connery announced that he was retiring from acting after receiving the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He only returned for voiceover work but never filmed another role on camera after announcing his retirement.
Connery is survived by his wife and two sons.
