James Bond legend Sir Sean Connery dies at age 91

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James Bond legend Sir Sean Connery has died in his sleep aged 90 following a long illness, his family have announced.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Oscar-winning actor who passed away in the Bahamas and leaves behind his wife Micheline and sons Jason and Stefan.

Jason told the BBC his father had been surrounded by ‘many of his family’ who could make it to the Caribbean when he died.

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.

Sir Sean, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.

He was today hailed as ‘the world’s greatest Scot and last of the real Hollywood stars’ as the acting community and beyond rallied to remember him.

Sir Sean, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.

Sir Sean frequently tops polls as the best Bond to have played the role following his part in Dr No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice.

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli paid tribute to Sir Sean in a statement: ‘We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir 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.’

Hugh Jackman tweeted: I grew up idolizing Connery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace.’

Sir Sean was knighted by the Queen in 2000 and celebrated his 90th birthday in August.

A fierce nationalist, he banged the drum for Scottish Independence ahead of the 2014 referendum and befriended key SNP figures.

Former First Minister Alex Salmond today described his friend Sir Sean as ‘the world’s greatest Scot, the last of the real Hollywood stars, the definitive Bond.’

His successor Nicola Sturgeon said: ‘I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons.

‘Sean was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent and sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world’s most accomplished actors.

‘Sean will be remembered best as James Bond – the classic 007 – but his roles were many and varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot – his towering presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament and in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth.’

Sean Connery and wife Micheline at Life Achievement Award in 2015.

Born Thomas Sean Connery in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area on August 25 1930, the actor left school at an early age and took his first job as a milkman.

At 16 he enlisted in the Royal Navy but was discharged three years later on medical grounds after suffering a stomach ulcer.

His first major step into acting came in 1957 when he secured a role in the British gangster film No Road Back.

In the 1980s a slipping career was revived with The Untouchables (1987), with his role as a tough gangbusting Irish policeman winning him an Academy Award for best supporting actor

He has two tattoos from this time – one reading ‘Mum and Dad’ and another ‘Scotland Forever’.

The keen bodybuilder then undertook a variety of jobs, including a stint as a bricklayer, a lifeguard and an artist’s model for the Edinburgh College of Art. Under the name Thom Connery he was placed third in the tall man’s division (he was 6ft 2in) of the 1950 Mr Universe contest.

The stage came calling when a friend suggested he try out for a production of South Pacific. He got a part in the sailors’ chorus and so began his acting career.

He was also a gifted footballer. While touring with the musical, he was offered a contract by former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby, who saw him play in a friendly against a local side.

Sean Connery poses as James Bond next to his Aston Martin DB5 in a scene from the United Artists film 'Goldfinger' in 1964