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Tributes paid to 'screen legend' Sean Connery

Updated / Sunday, 1 Nov 2020 09:26
The great Sean Connery
The great Sean Connery

Tributes have flooded in for acting great and "screen legend" Sean Connery following his passing aged 90.

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Connery in a statement, saying: "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."

Connery's son, Jason, 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."

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was "heartbroken" to learn of Connery's passing and said he was a "global legend".

Fellow James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan described Connery as "one of the true greats of cinema".

Daniel Craig paid tribute to Connery in a statement shared via the official Bond Twitter account, saying he "defined an era and a style".

"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." 

Hollywood actor Robert De Niro said he hoped Connery would "be with us much longer".

In a statement to the PA news agency, De Niro said: "I'm very sorry to hear about Sean's passing. He seemed much younger than 90; I expected - and hoped - he'd be with us much longer. See you up there, Sean."

De Niro and Sir Sean starred in 1987's The Untouchables together. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger said Connery "was a legend" and "one of the greatest actors of all time".

"Sean Connery was a legend, one of the greatest actors of all time.

"He provided endless entertainment for all of us & inspiration for me.

"I'm not just saying that because he was a bodybuilder who placed in the Mr. Universe contest! He was an icon. My thoughts are with his family."

John Cleese hailed Connery as "a wonderful man" with "such immense talent".

Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who starred alongside Connery in the 1999 film Entrapment, said she would "cherish every moment" she had spent with him.

Better Call Saul actor Michael McKean recounted a meeting with Connery as he paid tribute to him.

Iarnród Éireann recalled Connery's role in 1978's The First Great Train Robbery, which filmed scenes in in Dublin's Heuston Station, Kent Station Cork, and between Mullingar and Athlone.

Shirley Bassey, who sung the themes to three Bond films including Goldfinger, said Connery "was a wonderful person".

"I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Seans 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."

Game Of Thrones star Liam Cunningham shared a photo of himself and the late actor and said:  "This man was really good to me. They say don't meet your heroes. He exceeded all expectations. RIP Sean."

Actor Hugh Jackman said he "grew up idolising" Connery and said he was "a legend on screen and off".

Star Trek actor George Takei said Connery "was a movie legend, even far into his golden years. Our strongest Bonds were formed by him, and he was Untouchable. He passed today at age 90, a suave hero to the end."

Comedian David Baddiel heaped praise on Connery saying: "There's a level of stardom where the star becomes so embedded in the culture, at least for a certain generation, that it's almost impossible to imagine they no longer exist. Sean Connery was at that level.

"Possibly it's deeper as well because the death of someone so present in your imagination feels impossible, like your own. Which brings home to you that it - your death that is - really isn't."

Broadcaster Piers Morgan recalled a touching story that actor, George Lazenby, who followed in Connery's Bond footsteps told him, saying: "Sean Connery WAS James Bond, the rest of us were just imposters.' - what George Lazenby, the man who replaced him as 007, told me a few years ago. He was right....."

A tweet from Pinewood Studios, where the Bond films are filmed, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Sir Sean Connery.

"Memories of this outstanding actor and his unforgettable embodiment of superspy James Bond will forever be cherished at Pinewood."

Director and actor Kevin Smith said Mr. Connery was his dad's "movie idol".

"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." 

Actor Sam Neill, who acted alongside Connery in the 1990 thriller The Hunt for Red October, said every day on set with him was "an object lesson in how to act on screen".

In pictures: Sean Connery on screen and off

Sean Connery: 10 Great Films

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