[custom_adv] Sir Thomas Sean Connery (25 August 1930 – 31 October 2020) was a Scottish actor and producer. He was best known as the first actor to portray the character James Bond in film, starring in seven Bond films (every film from Dr. No to You Only Live Twice, plus Diamonds Are Forever and Never Say Never Again) between 1962 and 1983. [custom_adv] The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, being the first to bring the role to the big screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers. [custom_adv] Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said.His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables. [custom_adv] Sir Sean's other films included The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock.Jason Connery said his father "had many of his family, who could be in the Bahamas, around him" when he died overnight in Nassau. Much of the Bond film Thunderball had been filmed there. [custom_adv] He said: "We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time."A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor." [custom_adv] His publicist Nancy Seltzer said: "There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended."He leaves his wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stephane. [custom_adv] "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more," he said."He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. [custom_adv] "He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones."In reference to Sir Sean's love of golf, he added: "Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course." [custom_adv] Dame Shirley Bassey, who sang the themes to three Bond films including Goldfinger, paid tribute saying: "I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Sean's passing. [custom_adv] Connery made the character of James Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit. Many critics didn't like it and some of the reviews were scathing. But the public did not agree.The action scenes, sex and exotic locations were a winning formula. [custom_adv] In truth, his Bond is now a museum piece; the portrayal of women impossibly dated. The action scenes are still thrilling, but the sex too often bordered on the non-consensual. [custom_adv] Thankfully, its been a while since 007 slapped a woman on the backside and forced a kiss. But Connery's performance was of its time, enjoyed by millions of both sexes and gave the silver screen a 20th Century icon. [custom_adv] After Connery sold his Marbella villa in 1999, Spanish authorities launched an investigation into alleged tax evasion by him and his wife, alleging that the Spanish treasury had been defrauded of £5.5 million. [custom_adv] Connery was subsequently cleared by the Spanish officials but his wife and 16 others were charged with attempting to defraud the Spanish treasury. [custom_adv] Connery was married to actress Diane Cilento from 1962 to 1973, though they separated in 1971. They had a son, actor Jason Connery. In her autobiography in 2006 she alleged that he had abused her mentally and physically during their relationship; Connery had been quoted as saying that occasionally hitting a woman was "no big deal". [custom_adv] Connery died in his sleep on 31 October 2020, aged 90, at his home in Nassau in the Bahamas. His death was announced by his family and Eon Productions that same day.
