Hollywood Remembers Sean Connery: ‘A Legend on Screen and Off’

The Oscar-winning Scottish actor died Saturday at age 90

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Tributes poured in on Saturday for Sean Connery, the Oscar-winning Scottish actor who died at age 90 at his longtime home in the Bahamas.

Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the James Bond film franchise for which Connery was best known, said in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sean Connery. He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond. … He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him.”

The current James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, also voiced his sympathy. “It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema,” he said 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; 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.”

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” story co-writer and executive producer, George Lucas, shared this about the man who played Indy’s father: “Sir Sean Connery, through his talent and drive, left an indelible mark in cinematic history. His audiences spanned generations, each with favorite roles he played. He will always hold a special place in my heart as Indy’s dad. With an air of intelligent authority and sly sense of comedic mischief, only someone like Sean Connery could render Indiana Jones immediately into boyish regret or relief through a stern fatherly chiding or rejoiceful hug. I’m thankful for having had the good fortune to have known and worked with him.  My thoughts are with his family.”

The estate of Connery’s 007 predecessor, Roger Moore, remembered the two as friends, writing, “How infinitely sad to hear the news Sir Sean Connery has passed away. He and Roger were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP.”

Another fellow Bond, Pierce Bronson, said on Instagram: “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.”

Sam Neill, who starred with Connery in 1990’s “The Hunt for Red October,” recalled, “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.”

Tippi Hedren, who played opposite Connery in the Alfred Hitchcock classic “Marnie,” shares her grief. “I feel so fortunate to have worked with Sean. I am just so grateful to have had the honor of knowing him as a dear friend,” she said in a statement. “He was a fabulous man and so very talented. He had a great sense of humor and he made our job fun. An elegant man, a brilliant actor and an over all amazing individual … Not to mention extremely attractive.”

She went on to recall the moment Hitchcock told her that Connery was going to be her leading man. “I went, ‘Sean Connery, the Sean Connery … who is right now on the cover of Newsweek magazine as the sexiest man in the world? The Sean Connery who could melt the iciest of blonds? How am I supposed to deal with him opposite me as this character?’ And Hitch said, ‘It’s called acting, dear.’”

Connery played the suave British superspy James Bond in seven blockbuster films, beginning with 1962’s “Dr. No” all the way through 1983’s “Never Say Never Again.”

He also won an Academy Award for his supporting role as an Irish-American cop battling Prohibition-era gangsters in Brian De Palma’s 1987 film “The Untouchables.”

See more tributes here.

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