Sean Connery “James Bond” is dead. Connery passed away at the age of 90 in the Bahamas. The actor’s son, Jason Connery, confirmed the sad news to the media, saying his dad died peacefully in his sleep. He had been “unwell for some time.” He had only celebrated his 90th birthday in August.
Perhaps no other actor brought the perfect portrayal of James Bond to the movie screen more than Connery did. And though he went on to play a part in other remarkable movies; it is the James Bond image that would follow after him.
Connery’s acting career spanned seven decades. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the TV screen, he would clinch an Oscar in 1988, most especially for his role in The Untouchables – the suitable crowning piece for a career that brought delight to the big screen. After commercial success with the James Bond role, he was part of other blockbuster movies such as Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October, and The Rock. He was also part of smaller dramas in the theaters.
Connery first made his film debut in 1957 in the British gangster film No Road Back. He got the opportunity to play James Bond in Dr. Noin 1962, and it is this appearance that changed the trajectory of his career. He made five other appearances in the James Bond franchise, including the unofficial, Never Say Never Again in 1983. When polls were conducted among viewers on who played the James Bond role the best, his name came out tops in every single poll.
He depicted such a great character that movie critics confirmed he made the role his own. He perfectly portrayed the part of the ruthless, sardonic spy, alongside the wit to go with it. He gave viewers the perfect romance and sex scenes with thrilling actions that made him a 20th-century movie icon, Yahoo News reports.
The Queen made Connery a knight in a ceremony in Holyrood Palace in 2000.
Christened Thomas Sean Connery at birth, he was born on August 25, 1930. The Scotsman came from a working-class Edinburgh family. He started his career in the British Royal Navy but left afterward to make a career in Body Building, in which he was successful. However, it was the movies that would grant him the much-acclaimed international recognition.
With nothing but hard work and discipline, he worked his way into becoming an established actor. He was a proud citizen of Scotland and took every opportunity to showcase it. He often called for Scotland’s Independence. He was a huge presence when the Scottish parliament was opened in 1999.
Asides from the Oscar, he earned a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Film Institute in 2005, the Hollywood Foreign Press award in 1996, BAFTA in 1998, and so many others.
After years of success in the movie industry, Connery retreated to a quiet life of golf. It was then reports of his ill health started appearing in the media. As news of his death filtered in, there were tributes from eminent personalities from all over the world. Hollywood executives, actors, among others, paid glowing tributes to the famed actor.
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said, “I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best-loved sons.”
Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, said he was “one of the true greats of cinema.”
Connery was married two times. He has been married to his current wife, Micheline, for 40 years. He is survived by his wife, and son Jason, from his previous marriage.
Sean Connery will remain forever be in the hearts of his global fans.
Source: bbc.com