Tributes were today paid to Sean Connery who has passed away aged 90.
Current Bond Daniel Craig has paid tribute to Sir Sean. He wrote: “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. 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.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to Sir Sean Connery, saying: “Sean Connery was a legend, one of the greatest actors of all time.
“He provided endless entertainment for all of us & inspiration for me.
“I’m not just saying that because he was a bodybuilder who placed in the Mr. Universe contest! He was an icon. My thoughts are with his family.”
Better Call Saul actor Michael McKean recounted a meeting with Sir Sean as he paid tribute to him.
He tweeted: “I met Sean Connery when he came to see The Homecoming in New York and I told him how much I liked his great work in Lumet’s The Hill. ‘Never made a dime’, said the Scotsman, not ungraciously. RIP.”
Fawlty Towers star John Cleese described Sir Sean as a “wonderful man ” as he paid tribute to him.
He tweeted: “Saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. A wonderful man who I had the pleasure of working with in Time Bandits. We crossed paths many times over the years. Such immense talent and a vibrant human. And the only one of us to find The Holy Grail.”
Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, who starred alongside Sir Sean Connery in the 1999 film Entrapment, said she would “cherish every moment” she had spent with him.
Alongside a picture of them together on Instagram, she wrote: “Farewell my friend. I love you Sean Connery with all my heart. Until we meet again, I will cherish every moment I shared with you. My love to Micheline and the family. Love “the kid”.”
Dame Shirley Bassey, who sung the themes to three Bond films including Goldfinger, paid tribute to Sir Sean Connery.
She said on Twitter: “I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Seans passing. My thoughts are with his family. He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman and we will be forever connected by Bond.
“When we were younger I used to cheer Sean on from the sidelines whilst he played football in his team, The Showbiz 11! Well, I will always be there to cheer you on Sean! Forever in our hearts and may you rest in peace. Shirley x.”
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Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Sean Connery on Twitter. She 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.
“Sean was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent and sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world’s most accomplished actors.
“Sean will be remembered best as James Bond – the classic 007 – but his roles were many and varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot – his towering presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament and in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth.”
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Sir Sean Connery in a statement: “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’ — 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.”
Pinewood Studios, home of the Bond film franchise, said in a statement: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Sir Sean Connery. Memories of this outstanding actor and his unforgettable embodiment of superspy James Bond will forever be cherished at Pinewood.”
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond described Sean Connery: “The world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond.”
Actor Kevin McKidd said: “This year keeps getting worse .. words can't describe the talent and man that #SeanConnery was. I met him once and he was gracious and beautiful. A true icon and immense Scottish man. Rest In Peace.”
Robert Carlyle wrote: “RIP Sir Sean Connery.. a trailblazer, a true legend and a gentleman.”
Game Of Thrones star Liam Cunningham shared a photo of himself and Sir Sean Connery and wrote: “This man was really good to me.
"They say don’t meet your heroes. He exceeded all expectations. RIP Sean.”
Elizabeth Hurley wrote: “RIP the glorious Sean Connery.”
Star Trek actor George Takei said: “Sean Connery was a movie legend, even far into his golden years.
"Our strongest Bonds were formed by him, and he was Untouchable. He passed today at age 90, a suave hero to the end.”
Hugh Jackman has paid tribute to Sir Sean Connery, writing on Twitter: “I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.”
Gary Lineker wrote: “Shaken and, on this occasion, stirred to hear that Sir Sean Connery has passed away. Had the pleasure of playing golf with him on a couple of occasions. A real character and for me, the best Bond. James Bond should be immortal. RIP.”
Sam Neill wrote: “Every day on set with #SeanConnery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power- that was utterly unique to Sean . RIP that great man , that great actor .”