Fellow James Bond, actor Pierce Brosnan, praised Sir Sean Connery, calling him “one of the true greats of cinema,” after he died at the age of 90.

His son Jason said Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday in Nassau, Bahamas, where he had been “ill for some time”.

News of his death was met with influential reviews from other actors, fans and politicians.

Brosnan – who has starred in four 007 films – said he would “cast a long shadow of cinematic splendor that will last forever”.

Undated file photo of actor Sean Connery in the 1971 movie Ames Bond, "Diamonds are forever". Connery has been voted the best James Bond ever. The Scottish actor has rivaled stars including Daniel Craig, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan on the RadioTimes.com poll. Image of the Palestinian Authority. Release date: Monday 10 August 2020. See the story of the Palestinian Authority SHOWBIZ Bond. Should read image credit: PA Wire
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Sean Connery in the 1971 Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever
Sean Connery and Jill Masterson (original caption) James Bond (Sean Connery) and Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton) share laughs on the phone in the James Bond movie, Goldfinger. 1964.
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Connery and Shirley Eaton share a laugh on the phone in the James Bond movie Goldfinger

“The intelligence and magic depicted on screen can be measured in megawatts; it helped create the modern groundbreaking movie,” fellow Bond actor Daniel Craig said in his tribute.

Shirley Basie, who sang the themes for three Bond films, said: “I feel so sad to hear Sean pass away.

“My thoughts are with his family. He was an amazing person, a real man and we’ll always be in touch by Bond.”

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, tweeted on Saturday: “I was sad to learn this morning of the death of Sir Sean Connery. Today our nation is mourning one of its dearest children.

“Sean was born into a working-class family in Edinburgh and through talent and hard work, he has become a global movie icon and one of the most accomplished actors in the world.”

August 31, 1962: Scottish actor Sean Connery, the new face of James Bond superstar, relaxes in his basement apartment in NW8, London. (Photo by Chris Ware / Keystone Features / Getty Images)
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Young Connery in 1962 – the year he made his debut as Bond
File picture dated 11/29/96 of Diana Rigg and Sean Connery while attending the 1996 Standard Evening Drama Awards at the Savoy Hotel, London. Diana Rigg, the avenger actress, has passed away at the age of 82.
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Diana Rigg and Sean Connery in 1996

Bond producers Michael J Wilson and Barbara Brockley wrote in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of the death of Sir Sean Connery.

He was and will always be remembered as the original James Bond who began his indelible entry into cinema history when he announced those unforgettable words – ‘Bond name … James Bond’.

“He is without doubt largely responsible for the success of the film series and we will be forever grateful to him.”

Sean Connery: The Life and Career of James Bond

Jason, Sir Shawn’s son, said his father “had a lot of his family members who could be around him in the Bahamas” when he passed away.

In a joint statement from him, Stefan, Connery’s other son and wife Michelin, said he would be buried in a private ceremony, followed by a memorial once the epidemic is over.

He added, “We are all working to understand this mega event because it only happened recently, even though my dad has been doing well for some time.

“A sad day for all who knew and loved my father and a sad loss for all the people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he got as an actor.”

Sir Sean Connery, with his wife Michelin (right), pose in front of the paparazzi after he was officially awarded a knighthood .. Sir Sean Connery, with his wife Micheline (right), pose in front of the paparazzi after he was officially awarded a knighthood by Britain. [Queen Elizabeth] At Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, July 5. [The Scottish screen legend, famous for his role as James Bond, was honoured two years after he was reportedly denied a knighthood because of his passionate Scottish nationalism. ]Upload image date: 07/05/2000 12:00 dime
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Sir Sean Connery and his wife Michelin after being knighted in 2000
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 9: Sir Sean Connery attends the 2013 US Open Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 9, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Uri Shanker / WireImage)
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Connery, who was pictured in 2013, has had a career spanning 50 years

In addition to Bond, Connery, of Fountain Bridge in Edinburgh, has starred in The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and The Rock in a A career spanning 50 years.

He made his screen debut in Dr No in 1962. This was followed by “From Russia With Love”, “Goldfinger”, “Thunderball”, “You Only Live Twice” and Diamonds Forever.

He’s won legions of fans like Bond, and he’s often topping the polls thanks to his scandalous style and ridiculous sense of humor.

Sir Sean won an Academy Award for his role as a Chicago cop in 1987 The Untouchables, as well as two Bafta and three Golden Globe Awards.

Connery, who celebrated his 90th birthday in August, was awarded a Knight’s Medal at Holyrood Palace in 2000 with a New Year’s honor for drama filming services.