"James Bond" actor Sir Sean Connery has passed away.
He was 90.
The BBC was the first to report the news. The official James Bond Twitter account confirmed it shortly after.
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to the late actor writing, “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.”
The Scottish-born actor rocketed to international fame as Agent 007, starring as the iconic spy in 1962's "Dr. No," which launched the film franchise.
Author Ian Fleming, who created the character in a popular series of novels, initially objected to Connery's casting. However, after seeing the movie, he was so enamored with the actor's performance that he re-wrote the literary Bond as Scottish.
Connery decided to hang up the pristine black suit in 1967 during the filming of the fifth Bond movie, “You Only Live Twice.” George Lazenby took over as Bond in the 1969 movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
However, Lazenby declined to return for a second outing, so the producers wooed Connery back for another installment, “Diamonds Are Forever.” He would reprise the role in film once more in 1983, in Warner Bros.' unofficial Bond release “Never Say Never Again.
Connery’s career extended far beyond his time with Bond. His role in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1964 classic “Marnie” took his career to the next level. He also took home an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jim Malone in the 1987 mob film “The Untouchables.”
Other notable films included “The Wind and the Lion,” “The Man Who Would Be King,” “Highlander,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
His star power continued throughout his career as he was selected as People magazine’s “Sexiest Man of the Century” in 1999.
In 2005, he returned to the role that launched his career, performing the voice of James Bond in a video game adaptation of “From Russia with Love.”
After a career spanning seven decades, Connery retired from acting in 2012 with his last role as the voice of the title character in the animated film, “Sir Billi the Vet.”
Connery is survived by his second wife, painter Micheline Roquebrune, whom he wed in 1975, Variety notes.
He is also survived by his son, Jason Connery, who he shared with first wife, Diane Cilento, and a grandson from Jason’s marriage to actress Mia Sara.
KYW Newsradio's Andre Bennett contributed to this report.
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