Remembering Sir Sean Connery: The Original Bond
Shaken, not stirred. Sir Thomas Sean Connery, known as the 'Original Bond' for his iconic performances as Ian Fleming's 007 in Goldfinger (1964), From Russia With Love (1963), and Diamonds are Forever (1971), to name a few. The actor not only made quite the lasting impression as the suave and charismatic Mr. Bond, but he went on to play memorable roles in films like The Untouchables (1987), The Rock (1996), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusader (1989).
Voted by EuroMillions as "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure", the late actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90, on October 31st, 2020. Following his death, co-stars and members of the fraternity alike, including Tippi Hedren, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Nicholas Cage, Robert De Niro, George Lucas, and Sam Neil, paid their tributes to Sir Sean. The producers of James Bond, Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli, released a statement following his passing,
"He revolutionized 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." Adding, “he was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond,”
Declared 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People Magazine in 1989, Sean Connery went on the win awards and accolades for many of his roles, including an Academy Award for his portrayal of a gritty Chicago cop in “The Untouchables” (1987), and a European Film Award - Audience Award for Best Actor for his role in "Entrapment" (1999), opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones. Sean Connery went on to collect a number of prestigious awards due to his impeccable work, including Golden Globes and BAFTAS among many others.
A message on a Twitter account maintained for the late Roger Moore, who passed away in 2017, stated that Moore and Connery "were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP."
In a statement released by fellow Bond actor, Daniel Craig, "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more," Craig said. "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."
Leaving his wife Micheline Roquerbrune and son Jason Connery, Sir Sean has left an unparalleled mark in world of cinematic history, forever being remembered for defining an era.