Goodbye Mr Bond - Tributes Paid To Sean Connery

There's been an avalanche of tributes to Sean Connery who died yesterday aged 90 following a long illness.

"His wife Micheline and his two sons, Jason and Stephane, have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family," read the official statement. "There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended."

Whilst best known for defining the role of James Bond, he won his Oscar appearing alongside Robert De Niro and Kevin Costner in the 1987 prohibition era drama, The Untouchables, and underlined his versatility in the likes of The Hunt For Red October, In The Name Of The Rose, The Avengers and The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

He was also a passionate advocate for Scottish Independence, campaigning rigorously in 2014's unsuccessful referendum.

As noted by the folk from Irish Rail, he starred in 1978's The First Great Train Robbery, the lion's share of which was film in Ireland with Heuston and Kent stations among the backdrops.

We'll also fondly remember him as Indiana Jones' father, Henry Jones Jr., in 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.

Say Bond 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 - '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."

The current 007, Daniel Craig, adds: "It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. 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 film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”

Loving words too from SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon: "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 & sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world's most accomplished actors.

"Sean will be remembered best as James Bond - the classic 007 - but his roles were many and varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot - his towering presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth. Sean was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude. 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."

Another of his Bond successors, Pierce Brosnan, took to Instagram to say: "Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendor that will live on forever. You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic foot steps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role.

"You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time. Your were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace."

Robert De Niro says: "I'm very sorry to hear about Sean's passing. He seemed much younger than 90; I expected - and hoped - he'd be with us much longer. See you up there, Sean."

Another co-star John Cleese reflects: "Saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. A wonderful man who I had the pleasure of working with in Time Bandits. We crossed paths many times over the years. Such immense talent and a vibrant human. And the only one of us to find The Holy Grail."

Sam Neill, who played alongside him in The Hunt For Red October, says: "Every day on set with Sean Connery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power - that was utterly unique to Sean. RIP that great man, that great actor."

Shirley Bassey, who belted out three Bond themes, says: "I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Sean's passing. My thoughts are with his family. He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman and we will be forever connected by Bond.

"When we were younger I used to cheer Sean on from the sidelines whilst he played football in his team, The Showbiz 11! Well, I will always be there to cheer you on Sean! Forever in our hearts and may you rest in peace. Shirley x."

The gang at Pinewood Studios where most the Bond themes were shot message: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Sir Sean Connery. Memories of this outstanding actor and his unforgettable embodiment of superspy James Bond will forever be cherished at Pinewood."

Statement from Daniel Craig

“It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. pic.twitter.com/McUcKuykR4

— James Bond (@007) October 31, 2020

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

Remembering Sean Connery who has died aged 90.

In 1978, he starred in The First Great Train Robbery, with scenes filmed in Dublin’s Heuston Station, Kent Station Cork, and between Mullingar and Athlone (incl pics from @RPSITrains ) pic.twitter.com/XKkyXPXHg6

— Iarnród Éireann #StayHomeSaveLives (@IrishRail) October 31, 2020