Sir Sean Connery was beloved by many for his portrayal of James Bond, as the legend starred in the likes of Dr No, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever and Never Say Never Again.
The actor has passed away at the age of 90, with tributes pouring in for the James Bond icon.
Sean almost didn’t play the legendary role as the spy’s creator Ian Fleming had doubts about his casting.
Connery’s selection for the role of Bond owed a lot to Dana Broccoli, wife of producer Albert Broccoli.
She’s said to have been vital in persuading her husband that Connery was the man for the job.
Fleming was initially doubtful about Connery playing Bond (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming, originally doubted Connery’s casting, saying: “He’s not what I envisioned of James Bond looks.”
He also explained: “I’m looking for Commander Bond and not an overgrown stunt-man,” adding that Connery, who was muscular and stood at 6′ 2″, was unrefined.
Fleming’s girlfriend Blanche Blackwell told him that Connery had the requisite sexual charisma, and the author changed his mind after the success of Dr No.
The James Bond creator changed his mind after the success of the Dr. No premiere (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Not only was his mind changed, but the writer added Connery’s Scottish heritage into the character.
Fleming wrote that Bond’s father was Scottish and from Glencoe in his 1964 novel You Only Live Twice.
Social media was flooded with tributes to the actor as famous faces paid their respects after it was confirmed Connery had died.
The James Bond official Twitter page shared a statement from producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
The actor has passed away at the age of 90 (Image: PA)
It read: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean 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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
