Skip to content
Breaking

Sir Sean Connery: James Bond actor dies aged 90

The Scottish actor had a successful career spanning 50 years.

Fill 2 Copy 11 Created with Sketch.

Saturday 31 October 2020 13:15, UK

(Original Caption) Waist-up portrait of Sean Connery, as James Bond, caressing the barrel of a gun against the side of his face. Connery is wearing a tuxedo and bow tie and smiling slightly.
Image: He was best known for being the first person to star as James Bond on the big screen
Why you can trust Sky News

Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family have said.

The Scottish actor was best known for being the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen, taking the role in 1962 and going on to star in seven of the films.

Connery, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, also starred in The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and The Rock in a career that spanned 50 years.

Undated file photo of actor Sean Connery in the 1971J ames Bond film, "Diamonds Are Forever". Connery has been voted as the best ever James Bond. The Scottish actor saw off competition from stars including Daniel Craig, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan in the poll for RadioTimes.com. PA Photo. Issue date: Monday August 10, 2020. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: PA Wire
Image: Connery was the first actor to play the iconic role on the big screen
31st August 1962: Scottish actor Sean Connery, the new face of superspy James Bond, relaxes in his basement flat in London's NW8. (Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images)
Image: He won an Oscar, two Bafta awards and three Golden Globes

He won an Oscar for his role as a Chicago cop in the 1987's The Untouchables, two Bafta awards and three Golden Globes.

News of his death was met by a flood of tributes.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns 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."

More from UK

Actor Hugh Jackman said: "I grew up idolizing Sean Connery. A legend on screen, and off."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family have said.

Gary Lineker said: "Shaken and, on this occasion, stirred to hear that Sir Sean Connery has passed away. Had the pleasure of playing golf with him on a couple of occasions.

"A real character and for me, the best Bond. James Bond should be immortal. RIP."

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Sir Sean Connery 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.'

Sir Sean Connery, with wife Micheline (R), pose for photographers after he was formally knighted by .. Sir Sean Connery, with wife Micheline (R), pose for photographers after he was formally knighted by the Britain's [Queen Elizabeth] at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh July 5. [The Scottish screen legend, famous for his role as James Bond, was honoured two years after he was reportedly denied a knighthood because of his passionate Scottish nationalism. ] DOWNLOAD PICTURE Date: 05/07/2000 12:00 Dime
Image: Sir Sean Connery, with wife Micheline (R), after he was formally knighted

"He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him."

Connery, who celebrated his 90th birthday in August, was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000 New Year Honours for services to film drama.

He won legions of fans as Bond, often coming top of fan-voted polls thanks to his debonair manner and wry humour.