James Bond star Sean Connery dies at 90
- The legendary actor played a series of noteworthy roles besides Bond and won the Oscar for his portrayal of a tough Chicago police officer in The Untouchables
- Connery, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2000, was an ardent supporter of Scotland’s independence
Scottish movie legend Sean Connery, who shot to international stardom as the suave, sexy and sophisticated British agent James Bond and went on to dominate the silver screen for four decades, has died aged 90.
“His wife Micheline and his two sons Jason and Stephane have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family,” family spokesperson Nancy Seltzer said on Saturday.
Connery was raised in near poverty in the slums of Edinburgh and worked as a coffin polisher, milkman and lifeguard before his bodybuilding hobby helped launch an acting career that made him one of the world’s biggest stars.
“I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons,” said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. “Sean was a global legend but, first and foremost, he was a patriotic and proud Scot.”
Connery will be honoured in a private funeral ceremony with a memorial event to be held later, his family said.
“There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended,” the family said in a statement.