Yesterday saw the passing of the very first James Bond on the big screen, Sean Connery, at the age of 90.
While he starred in such movies as 'The Rock', 'The Hunt For Red October', 'The Man Who Would Be King', John Boorman's 'Zardoz' (the one where he wears the red nappy), and 'The Name & The Rose', Connery will be forever associated with James Bond.
As tributes poured in yesterday from his co-stars, the surviving Bonds - that's Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby - shared their thoughts and memories of Connery.
"He defined an era and a style," said Craig. "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."
On Instagram, Pierce Brosnan shared his memories of seeing Connery as a child on screen, and how his performance shaped his own in the likes of 'Goldeneye', 'Die Another Day', and 'Tomorrow Never Dies'.
"Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself," Brosnan wrote. "You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendor 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."
In a brief statement to the New York Times, Timothy Dalton of 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence To Kill' described Connery as "a wonderful presence" and "a great leading man." As for George Lazenby, the one-and-done actor from 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', he had this to say about Connery.
"Sean, for me, was always the man. I walked in his footsteps — I had to look and dress like Sean Connery — I went to his barber’s and tailors. I had no fear when I went up for the role — he was the guy who inspired me to never hesitate."
Not surprisingly, our rundown of Sean Connery's five best scenes include not one, but two scenes from his era as Bond.