A DIAMOND ..FOR EVER
SEAN Connery’s shattered son fought back tears yesterday, overcome by a “beautiful outpouring of tributes” after the screen titan died at 90.
Actor Jason Connery revealed James Bond legend Sir Sean “died peacefully in his sleep” at his home in the Bahamas.
Grieving Jason, 57, told the Sunday Mirror: “We are all working at understanding this huge event, even though my dad has been unwell for some time.
“There has been a beautiful outpouring of tributes for him and that is appreciated. It is a sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”
Jason was at home in the Scottish Borders when news of his dad’s death came through.
But he said as “many of his family who could be” were with Sir Sean when he passed away on Friday night.
Sir Sean, who also leaves his wife of 45 years Micheline and adopted son Stephane, was a fiercely proud Scotsman – once nce voted the “greatest living Scot”. He was feted as one of Britain’s finest actors and hailed the best ever 007 – even by the other stars who played ed Bond.
Sir Sean donned Bond’s tuxedo six times between 1962 and 1971. They were ere the iconic first 007 movie – Dr No, From om Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever.
Sir Sean played 007 again in the independent 1983 production Never Say Never Again. It enraged Bond guru Cubby Broccoli – but the pair eventually made up.
Current James Bond star Daniel el Craig said of him: “One of the true ue greats. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.”
Form Former Bond George Lazenby added: “Only a few weeks ago I was wishing Sean all the best for h his 90th birthday. Now I’m very sad to be cons consoling with his family and friends.
“Sean Connery, as Bond, inspired me p personally but seems to have encapsulated an age, the Sixties. A great actor, great man.”
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Bar Barbara Broccoli said: “We are devastated.
“He revolutionised the world with his gri gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and ch charismatic secret agent. He is undoubtedly
One of the true greats. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster
- DANIEL CRAIG
largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “heartbroken”, adding: “Our nation mourns one of her best-loved sons.
“Sean was a global legend egend but, first and foremost, he e was a patriotic and proud Scot.” cot.”
Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh said: “Great guy. uy. RIP my friend and inspiration. tion. “
Singer Sir Elton John ohn and actor Hugh Jackman both paid tribute to “a screen legend”. Eleanor Connery, Sir Sean’s sister-in-law, said Covid had prevented the star’s brother Neil from being in the Bahamas with him.
She added: “He was a person to be admired and loved and we just feel it’s the end of an era.” Sir Sean coined the t legendary line in the 007 film films: “The name’s Bond – James Bond.”
The plaudits plaudit for his work – and his looks – continued long after he stopp stopped playing 007. In 1989 he was declared “se “sexiest man alive” b by People magaz zine. His later fame and fortune were a far cry from his childhood in Edinburgh, in near-poverty with his truck driver father and mother, a cleaner.
Sir Sean dropped out of school at 13, then was drafted into the Royal Navy just two years after the Second world War ended.
He was a coffin-polisher, lifeguard and milkman before bodybuilding helped launch his acting career.
Despite living in the Bahamas for years, keen golfer Sir Sean never forgot his roots. He had “Scotland Forever” on his arm, backed independence and wore family tartan when knighted in 2000. Sir Sean said he “hated that damned Bond”, fearing he was typecast but went on to win an Oscar, two Baftas and three Golden Globes for his performances.
He was a cop in The Untouchables, the skipper in submarine drama The Hunt for Red October, Harrison Ford’s dad in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and was Ramirez in two Highlander films.
He quit acting in 2003 following The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen – after rowing with the director, complaining: “I get fed up dealing with idiots.”