James Bond Cast Members React To Sean Connery's Death

Hollywood — and the James Bond universe — are mourning the death of Sean Connery, a cinematic icon and the first actor to don the 007 moniker. 

The Scottish-born actor passed away in his sleep while in his home in the the Bahamas the age of 90, his family confirmed to the BBC. Recently voted the best James Bond in a Radio Times poll, Connery's quintessential take on author Ian Fleming's famous British Secret Service agent in 1962's Dr. No put the now-$7 billion MGM and Eon franchise on the movie map for decades with subsequent appearances in Goldfinger, Thunderball, and From Russia With Love, among other Bond installments. While absent from the big screen leading up to his death, his career was long, with revered or memorable performances in a number of films including The Untouchables, for which he won an Oscar. Connery's other major big-screen titles include The Hunt for Red October, The Rock, The Man Who Would Be King, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 

Following the news of his passing, the actor — who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 — is being remembered by his former Bond co-stars and fellow franchise members and creatives on both social media and in statements provided directly by the Hollywood talent.  

One of the first Bond entities to pay tribute to the distinguished actor was the official James Bond Twitter account, which posted a statement from franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli early Saturday morning. In series of tweets, the account has shared the producers' thanks for Connery's work as the iconic character across seven films, and acknowledged his role in making the billion-dollar franchise what it is today.  

"We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery," the 007 Twitter shared. "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'" 

The duo went on to celebrate the actor's impact as the first actor to embody the debonair agent plucked from the pages Fleming's popular spy novels. "He revolutionized 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," the statement read. 

While many of the actors who appeared alongside Connery in his numerous Bond chapters have since passed, two actors who have followed in the footsteps of Connery have come forward to share their condolences about the passing of the one and only original. 

Current 007 Daniel Craig, whose final turn as the iconic British agent is set to hit theaters in April 2021, shared a statement through his representatives, recounting the sadness that he and fans of the popular Scottish actor are now feeling (via Variety).

"It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more," Craig's statement read. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."

He continued by honoring and acknowledging Connery's impact on an entire era of Hollywood film. "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," he concluded. 

In addition to Craig, the Twitter account for former Bond Roger Moore who passed away in 2017, also shared a statement about Connery's passing. In the brief message offered up by Moore's family on the social media site, Connery's legacy as the "best Bond" was heralded. "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."