The world was shocked to learn over the weekend that Sean Connery, the first James Bond, had died at the age of 90, and both fans and celebrities are in deep sorrow.
According to Connery’s wife Micheline Roquebrune, the adored actor battled dementia in his last years but was granted his wish to die quietly.
Actor Sean Connery, 90, died peacefully on October 31 in Nassau, The Bahamas, where he had lived with his wife Micheline Roquebrune since the 1990s. Since then, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the Scottish actor on social media from both celebrities and fans. His widow recently disclosed that the late actor battled dementia in his final few months. Roquebrune stated the following in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, as reported:
“His dementia had a negative impact on him. He fulfilled his dying request and quietly vanished.”
She went on to say more about his struggle with dementia near the end of his life:
“For him, it was not a life. Later, he was unable to communicate.”
Connery had shied away from the limelight in recent years, preferring a tranquil existence in the seclusion of his Bahamas house. Even though the news of his demise is tragic, at least he died peacefully with his wife by his side.
Roquebrune added the following:
“At least he passed away peacefully while he was sleeping. Even though I was always with him, he nonetheless managed to escape. It satisfied his desires.
Roquebrune referred to him as “a model of a man” and spoke of the great life they shared together. The actor will be remembered in a private funeral service, and a public memorial event will take place later, according to his publicist.
Connery doesn’t need an introduction as the original and frequently most adored James Bond, the secret agent, in the film series. He portrayed the part in seven Bond films, but he was also a highly regarded actor outside of that character. He was praised for his performance, winning an Academy Award, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes throughout his lifetime despite appearing in films like The Untouchables and Highlander. The Scotsman received a knighthood from the queen in 2000 during an investiture ceremony in Edinburgh.
Actor Pierce Brosnan, a fellow former Bond, posted a heartfelt ode earlier this week on Instagram. He said:
“Sir Sean Connery, as a little child and as a guy who later went on to become James Bond, you were my favorite James Bond. You leave behind a massive, enduring shadow of breathtaking cinematic beauty. You paved the road for all of us who followed in your illustrious footsteps. As we moved forward with our individual interpretations of the part, each guy turned to you with respect and admiration.”
Daniel Craig, the current Bond star, also paid a moving homage in a statement, as quoted by Variety:
“I learned of the demise of one of the true greats of cinema with tremendous sadness. Aside from playing Bond, Sir Sean Connery will be remembered for much more. He established an era and a fashion. He contributed to the development of the contemporary blockbuster; the wit and charm he displayed on screen might be measured in megawatts. He will have an ongoing impact on both actors and filmmakers for years to come.
Harrison Ford, referring to their 1989 movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, said in a statement to Variety: “He was my father…not in life…but in ‘Indy 3,’” among many other actors and celebrities who have paid respect. Added him:
“God, we had a good time; I hope there are golf holes in heaven for him. Peace be with you, dear friend.
George Lucas, the author and filmmaker who created Indiana Jones, added the following commentary:
“Sir Sean Connery made an imprint on cinematic history via his talent and ambition. Every generation of his viewers had a favorite role he played.
Connery was more than just an actor; he contributed to the definition of masculinity as seen through the lens of film, and his influence is still strongly felt today. Peace be upon him.
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