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”.
“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.”
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.”
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.
“Extreme organizer. Problem solver. Passionate web buff. Internet expert. Devoted travel nerd. Professional troublemaker.”