James Bond legend Sir Sean Connery has died in his sleep aged 90 following a long illness.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Oscar-winning actor who passed away in the Bahamas and leaves behind his wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stefan.
Sir Sean, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for his portrayal of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.
He was today hailed as ‘the world’s greatest Scot and last of the real Hollywood stars’ as the acting community rallied to remember their colleague.
He was often named the best Bond in polls on the subject. He was awarded an Oscar in 1988 for his part playing an Irish policeman in The Untouchables.
He also starred in The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock.
Sir Sean was knighted by the Queen in 2000 and celebrated his 90th birthday in August.
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond described his friend Sir Sean as ‘the world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond.’
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Sir Sean in a statement: ‘We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir 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.’
Hugh Jackman tweeted: I grew up idolizing Connery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.’