Bond producers, Sam Neill, and more pay tribute to the late Sean Connery

Sean Connery, Hollywood's Original James Bond, Dies at 90

In an acclaimed career that spanned six decades, Sean Connery appeared in seven 007 movies and won an Oscar for The Untouchables

Sam Neill is among those to pay tribute to the late Sean Connery, who has died at the age of 90. Neill acted alongside the Scottish actor in the 1990 thriller The Hunt for Red October.

"Every day on set with Sean Connery was an object lesson in how to act on screen," Neill wrote on Twitter. "But all that charisma and power — that was utterly unique to Sean. RIP that great man, that great actor."

James Bond franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli also praised the actor, who played the spy in seven films.

“We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery," the pair said in a statement. "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 revolutionized 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.”

"I grew up idolizing Sean Connery," wrote Hugh Jackman. "A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace."

"RIP Sean Connery... the only Bond," wrote Cary Elwes. "From Scotland with Love and a broken heart."

"I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery," wrote First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. "Our nation today mourns one of her best loved sons."

"RIP Sir Sean Connery," wrote the late actor's fellow Scot Robert Carlyle. "A trailblazer, a true legend and a gentleman."

"It says something for the extraordinary charisma of this Edinburgh lad to have created the most iconic character in film & then, rather than be typecast by it, become equally famous for just being Sean Connery," wrote director Edgar Wright. "A real screen legend; oft imitated (by all!) but never equalled."

"Sean Connery was a legend, one of the greatest actors of all time," wrote Arnold Schwarzenegger. "He provided endless entertainment for all of us & inspiration for me. I’m not just saying that because he was a bodybuilder who placed in the Mr. Universe contest! He was an icon. My thoughts are with his family."

"Saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery." wrote John Cleese. "A wonderful man who I had the pleasure of working with in Time Bandits. We crossed paths many times over the years. Such immense talent and a vibrant human. And the only one of us to find The Holy Grail."

"Sir Sean Connery was one of my acting heroes," wrote Henry Winkler. "Thank you for the lessons, now sleep well."

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