Sean Connery, ‘original’ James Bond, dies at 90
Star defined role for a generation
Goodnight, Mr. Bond.
Villain Auric Goldfinger uttered that line in the 1964 James Bond classic “Goldfinger,” before leaving Sean Connery’s Bond to die a certain death. The suave 007 managed to escape, of course, playing Bond seven times after debuting as the first Bond in 1962’s “Dr. No.”
The Oscar-winning Connery has died at age 90, according to Bond producers Eon Productions, who confirmed his death, first reported by BBC.
Connery’s son Jason said his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight in the Bahamas.
“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,” he told the BBC.
“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,’ ” producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement.
Connery’s representatives did not immediately return USA TODAY’S request for comment.
“Sean Connery was the first and most culturally influential Bond,” said Bill Desowitz, author of “James Bond Unmasked,” of the star’s enduring legacy. “He combined tough working-class appeal with a smooth sense of refinement. The other Bonds have been chasing his shadow ever since. For a generation, Connery will forever remain the first and only James Bond.”
Connery returned as Bond in 1963’s “From Russia With Love,” “Goldfinger,” 1965’s “Thunderball” and 1967’s “You Only Live Twice,” before he stepped away from the prime franchise.
He was coaxed back for 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever” and 1983’s “Never Say Never Again“(referred to as the “unofficial” Bond film, since it wasn’t made by Eon Productions).
Away from Bond, Connery received the breadth of roles and acting accolades for which he yearned.
Directors were willing to make story trade-offs to bring him on board a project. Spielberg cast Connery, then 58, to play Indiana Jones’ cantankerous father alongside Harrison Ford in 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
In 1990, he maintained his barely disguised Scottish accent as a Russian submarine captain trying to defect to the United States in “The Hunt for Red October.”
Connery was proclaimed People’s Sexiest Man Alive at 59 in 1989. When he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2000, he declared it “one of the proudest days of my life.”
The Bond influence remained even as the roles became less frequent, such as Allan Quatermain, head of a group of Victorian-era superheroes in 2003’s “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.”
Even voicing an animated character in his final role, as a veterinarian in the 2012 Scottish film “Sir Billi,” brought out a slew of Bond references.
“Connery did have that great career he wanted beyond the scope of Bond,” said Desowitz. “But for many, Sean Connery will be remembered as 007. That’s his enduring legacy.”
Contributing: The Associated Press