Daniel Craig, Jean-Claude Van Damme and more pay tribute to Sean Connery: 'One of the true greats of cinema'

Sir Sean Connery, the Scottish actor most famous for originating the role of James Bond, died overnight in the Bahamas at the age of 90. His son Jason told the BBC that his father had been “unwell for some time.”

In addition to defining the role of 007, and playing the secret agent over the course of seven films, Connery had a long and storied career that included roles in films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and an Oscar win for his performance in The Untouchables. In 2000, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, a moment he called, “one of the proudest days of my life.”

After his death, celebrities shared love for the Hollywood star on social media.

Daniel Craig, who plays James Bond in five films, including the upcoming No Time to Die, expressed his sorrow via the character’s official Twitter account.

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

The Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman, also paid tribute to Connery saying he grew up “idolizing” the screen giant.

Tributes also poured in from Elizabeth Hurley who called him “glorious” while Arnold Schwarzenegger and Viola Davis wrote “icon.”

Salma Hayek wrote on Instagram, “It saddens me that today the legendary Sean Connery passed away. At least he lived to be 90. My heart goes out to his close ones. May he rest in peace.”

Writer and director Spike Lee posted a lengthy tribute to Connery writing, “No disrespect to the other actors who later played 007, but to me Sean is my guy.”

Producers of the Bond films, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, wrote jointly on Twitter: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean 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’...”

Others who paid tribute include actor and activist George Takei and filmmaker Paul Feig. As Feig, the Bridesmaids director wrote, “Few were cooler, few more suave, few more effortless. He showed us all how it could be done and he thrilled and entertained us the entire time. RIP Sir Sean Connery.”

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