Tributes pour in for the late Sir Sean Connery
Legendary Scottish actor Sean Connery passed away in his sleep on the weekend, surrounded by loved ones, at age 90.
To honour his incredible life, countless celebrities have come forward and paid tribute to the late James Bond actor.
Daniel Craig has hailed the British star as “one of the true greats of cinema”, adding he hopes that “wherever he is there’s a golf course.”
Craig is due to appear as Bond for the final time in the delayed No Time To Die, shared a tribute via the official Bond Twitter account.
“It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema,” the 52-year-old said.
“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 filmmakers alike for years to come.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”
Producers of James Bond said they are “devastated” by his death.
Others declared they wanted to honour “the world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond.”
Barbara Broccoli - the daughter of original Bond producer Albert R “Cubby” Broccoli - and Michael G Wilson released a statement: “We are devastated.
“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.”
Alex Salmond, the very first minister of Scotland, took to Twitter to write: “The world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond.
“Sean Connery was all of these things but much more. He was also a staunch patriot, a deep thinker and outstanding human being.”
Nicola Sturgeon, current first minister of Scotland, wrote: “Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons”.
“It was a privilege to have known Sean. When I last spoke to him it was clear even then that his health was failing - but the voice, the spirit and the passion that we all loved so well were still there. I will miss him. Scotland will miss him. The world will miss him.”
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman wrote on Twitter: “I grew up idolising #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”
British rock star Sir Elton John labelled Connery “a true screen legend”.
Hollywood’s Arnold Schwarzenegger said the Scot “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.”