One of the ‘true greats of cinema,’ Sir Sean Connery, passed away in his sleep at the age of 90 on Saturday morning, October 31, surrounded by family at his home in the Bahamas.
A cinema legend
The BBC reported that “Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas,” after the son of the cinema legend told them the actor had been “unwell for some time.” Jason Connery relates that his father “had many of his family, who could be in the Bahamas, around him” in recent days. Fans would recognize Nassau from the Bond film, “Thunderball.” The family is understandably still in shock. “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.”
Jason called it “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.” Not just an ordinary actor, Sean Connery had a screen presence the like of which is seldom seen, even if his fanny patting shenanigans are infuriating to the pound me too movement. Connery’s publicist announced “there will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended.”
The peerless performer is survived by wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stephane. He grew up in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland and scored his first role in the 1957 British gangster epic, “No Road Back.” Most famous for his seven film run as James Bond, he first appeared in 1962 for the classic Dr. No. Most fans of the Bond series consider Connery to be the most popular 007 of the bunch. He also starred in films including The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, and the Man Who Would be King.
One of the true greats
The most recent actor to play the iconic James Bond character is Daniel Craig, and he’s almost as popular as Connery. He was devastated by the news. He immediately issued a glowing tribute. “It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema,” he noted in a statement. “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.”
Connery is one of those responsible for creating the “blockbuster” move genre and “will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come,” Craig insists. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”
Connery won an Oscar for his role in “The Untouchables” but will always be remembered for his classic line, “The name’s Bond… James Bond.” The super-spy with a license to kill. Ever the ladies man, Connery’s Bond was “witty and sophisticated, with an ever-present hint of danger.” The cinema industry will miss him terribly.
