‘You were my greatest James Bond’: Pierce Brosnan pays tribute to late fellow 007 icon Sir Sean Connery and says he ‘led the way for us all’
James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has paid tribute to fellow 007 icon Sir Sean Connery after he died following a long illness.
It was announced on Saturday that Connery died in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas after being diagnosed with dementia in the later years of his life.
Following the news, Pierce has told how Connery was his ‘greatest James Bond‘ while growing up, before taking on the legendary role himself years later.
Respect: James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has paid tribute to fellow 007 icon Sir Sean Connery after he died following a long illness (pictured in Die Another Day in 2002)
Alongside a black and white image of Connery, Pierce wrote: ‘Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever.
‘You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic foot steps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role.
‘You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time. Your were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace.’
Sad passing It was announced on Saturday that Connery died in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas after being diagnosed with dementia in the later years of his life (pictured in Dr No in 1962)
Pierce was the fifth actor to depict the secret agent and starred in four films between 1995 and 2002.
Meanwhile, Connery was the first person to ever play Bond, starring in a total of seven films between 1962 and 1983.
Current Bond Daniel Craig, 52, also paid his respects to Connery, sharing a statement via the franchise’s official Twitter page that read: ‘It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema.
‘He helped create the modern blockbuster’: 007 Daniel Craig (pictured in Skyfall) led tributes to iconic Bond Connery following his death
Icon: The No Time To Die star sharing a statement via the franchise’s official Twitter page that read: ‘Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style’
‘Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.
‘He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.’
Meanwhile, a statement on former Bond Sir Roger Moore’s legacy account read: ‘How infinitely sad to hearthe news Sir Sean Connery has passed away.
‘He and Roger were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP.’
Successor: Sir Roger Moore’s legacy Twitter account also paid tribute to Connery, saying the actors were ‘friends for many decades’ and the fourth 007 said the Connery was ‘the best ever James Bond’