As 2020 continues it’s course to being the worst year it possibly can be, another blow has been dealt today with word that Sir Sean Connery, best known to fans worldwide as the first actor to portray super spy James Bond on the big screen, has passed away aged 90.
Word of the actor’s death came via his son, Jason, who revealed that his father had passed away peacefully in his sleep whilst at his home in the Bahamas surrounded by members of his family. He also explained that his father had been “unwell for some time” and that everyone was “working at understanding this huge event”.
Sir Sean Connery, the actor who defined James Bond, has died aged 90 https://t.co/Z3vsV0CJ96
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) October 31, 2020
Born Thomas Sean Connery, in Scotland in 1930, the actor first rose to prominence when he appeared as James Bond in Dr. No in 1962, a role he played a further six times to commercial success. The character, as portrayed by Connery, was selected as Cinema’s Third-Greatest hero by the American Film Institute. In 2000, the actor was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2000 New Year’s Honours list for his services to film drama.
He later went on to have a long career, starring in films such as Murder on the Orient Express, The Man who Would be King, A Bridge Too Far, Highlander, Dragonheart, The Rock, The Avengers, Last Knight, The Hunt for Red October, and The Untouchables, a role that led to him winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988. Another of Connery’s most well known roles was as the lead characters father, Henry Jones, Sr. in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. One of Connery’s last roles was in the big screen adaption of Alan Moore’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a critical and commercial failure that later led to the actor retiring from acting in 2003.
Politically, Connery was a long time supporter of Scottish independence, even stating that he would have returned to his home country had the vote to break away from the UK passed.
Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90. He was the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen in Dr. No in 1962, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever followed. pic.twitter.com/VaFPHCM5Ou
— James Bond (@007) October 31, 2020
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli: “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 —
— James Bond (@007) October 31, 2020
“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.”
— James Bond (@007) October 31, 2020
Connery’s death will no doubt be felt by many, with the actor becoming an icon in his long career. It is no doubt down to Connery’s portrayal of the character that is responsible for the James Bond franchise being one of the most popular in cinema. While he hasn’t been in the spotlight for a very long time, his presence will definitely be missed.
What was your favorite Sean Connery role? Let us know below.