Sean Connery, the actor considered to be the definitive James Bond by many, has died at age 90, surrounded by family members in the Bahamas, his son told the BBC broadcaster.
He had been "unwell for some time," Jason Connery said, adding that his father had died peacefully in his sleep.
There is set to be a private ceremony followed by a memorial, yet to be planned, once the coronavirus pandemic is over, the British Press Association news agency reported, citing a statement from the actor's publicist.
Though the Scottish actor is best known as 007, starring as the dashing spy in seven films, he was able to nab an Oscar in 1988 for his role as best supporting actor in 'The Untouchables.'
Born on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh, Connery landed his big breakthrough as James Bond in 'Dr No' in 1962, after deciding to be an actor at age 23 and starring in a string of made-for-TV movies.
Bond film producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were "devastated" by Connery's passing: "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."
Daniel Craig, the latest actor to take up the Bond role, also mourned Connery's passing: "The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster."
"Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course," Craig added.
Sean Connery and Welsh actress Catherine Zeta Jones. Photo: Michael Crabtree/dpa.
Connery was known for his love of Scotland, with an autobiography, "Being a Scot," that focused less on himself and more on his homeland.
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, mourned Connery, saying that "Sean was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland" and that "Scotland will miss him. The world will miss him."
Coffin polisher, nude model
Before acting, the son of a factory worker and cleaning lady held several jobs, including milkman, bodybuilder and coffin polisher. He also posed as a nude model for art students at Edinburgh College of Art to make cash and came third in the 1953 Mr Universe contest.
Though best-known as the secret agent, he did not allow himself to be pinned to the role and forged a reputation as a character actor.
His other noteworthy performances beyond Bond came in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Marnie,' and Steven Spielberg's 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' as well as films such as 'The Man Who Would Be King' and 'The Hunt for Red October.'
Connery, who was declared "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 1989 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, has been married to painter Micheline Roquebrune since 1975. He has one son, Jason, from his first marriage to Australian actress Diane Cilento.
Connery, who also won three Golden Globe awards, spent most of his time in the Bahamas after retiring from acting several years ago. His last film role was 2003's 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.'
