James Bond Producers Pay Tribute To Sir Sean Connery

The 90-year-old Oscar-winner played the titular character across seven films between 1962 and 1971.

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: "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."

Connery's acting career spanned decades and led to him being awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor when he played Jim Malone in The Untouchables. He also won two BAFTAs and three Golden Globes.

More tributes have poured in from across Hollywood, with Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill and Hugh Jackman among them.

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."

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Stuegeon, took to Twitter writing: "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 & 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 & varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot."

RIP Sean Connery.