Daniel Craig, Sam Neill, George Lucas and More Hollywood Stars Pay Tribute to Sean Connery - Hollywood Reporter

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The Oscar-winning actor, who portrayed James Bond seven times, died on Saturday at age 90.

In the wake of Sean Connery's death on Saturday, Hollywood figures took to social media to pay tribute to the actor who won an Academy Award and portrayed James Bond seven times. He was 90.

James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement "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 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."

Sam Neill, who co-starred with Connery in 1990's The Hunt for Red October, wrote "Every day on set with Sean Connery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power - that was utterly unique to Sean."

Daniel Craig, who has portrayed the skilled spy five times starting with 2006's Casino Royale, said in a statement, "It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. 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."

George Lucas, who created the Indiana Jones franchise that Connery appeared in for 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, shared in a statement with The Hollywood Reporter, "Sir Sean Connery, through his talent and drive, left an indelible mark in cinematic history. His audiences spanned generations, each with favorite roles he played. He will always hold a special place in my heart as Indy’s dad. With an air of intelligent authority and sly sense of comedic mischief, only someone like Sean Connery could render Indiana Jones immediately into boyish regret or relief through a stern fatherly chiding or rejoiceful hug. I’m thankful for having had the good fortune to have known and worked with him. My thoughts are with his family."

Courtney B. Vance remembered his time on set with Connery for The Hunt for Red October, sharing in a statement to THR, "As you might imagine, I was in awe of everything. But on a Sean Connery set, it was all about the work and that understanding was infused in me. As an actor, I counted myself extremely blessed so early in my career to be in his charismatic presence and to have witnessed his command of the Paramount soundstage. I observed his laser focus on the work, refusing to allow himself to be fawned upon. He rose to the occasion and inspired all of us who worked with him to do the same, to always put forward our best. Through it all, Mr. Connery never lost the core of his Scottish roots, no matter the cost. He refused to be 'bought.' And I think that was the source of his appeal to his legions of fans. Mr. Connery was a great, great man, who made a deep impact on generations of film lovers and for that, and for many other reasons, he will be missed, but never forgotten. Although he’s known as the "O.G" James Bond, I believe it’s a line from his film, The Man Who Would Be King, that befits this moment as we bid farewell to Mr. Connery: 'You call it luck. I call it destiny.'"

Robert De Niro, who starred alongside Connery in Brian De Palma's The Untouchables, shared with THR he was sorry to hear of the actor's passing. "He seemed much younger than 90; I expected — and hoped — he’d be with us much longer. See you up there, Sean."

Catherine Zeta-Jones, who co-starred with Connery in 1999's Entrapment, wrote on Instagram, "Farewell my friend. I love you Sean Connery with all my heart. Until we meet again, I will cherish every moment I shared with you. My love to Micheline and the family."

Tippi Hedren, who co-starred alongside Connery in Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie, reflected on working with the actor in a statement to THR. "I feel so fortunate to have worked with Sean. I am just so grateful to have had the honor of knowing him as a dear friend," Hedren shared. "He was a fabulous man and so very talented. He had a great sense of humor and he made our job fun. An elegant man, a brilliant actor and an over all amazing individual... Not to mention extremely attractive."

Indiana Jones producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement, "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered for his talent, his charm, his wit and the many unforgettable roles he played, but he will always be Indy's dad to us. It was an honor to know and work with him and our hearts are with his family and loved ones."

The Twitter account for fellow Bond actor Roger Moore, which is run by his family, shared this morning, "How infinitely sad to hear the 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."

MGM shared in a statement to THR, "All of us at MGM mourn the passing of the legendary Sir Sean Connery. His portrayal of James Bond remains one of cinema’s greatest contributions. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and to his many fans around the world."

Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman Tom Rothman, who worked closely with Connery via his producing deal at Fox, shared in a statement to THR: "Like others of my generation, I didn’t admire Sean Connery, I worshipped him. Getting to work with him as both a producer and an actor was a singular high point of my entire career. He taught me so much. The Class Act room in heaven has a new lead. And note to all up there: if you are on time for a meeting with the incomparable, unimaginably cool, mega-talented Sir Sean, you are five minutes late."

Connery laid down the Bond blueprint by starring in the first five United Artists movies to feature Ian Fleming's British superspy: Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963) — said to be the actor's personal favorite — Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and You Only Live Twice (1967). He returned in 1971 to star in Diamonds Are Forever.

He also starred for Alfred Hitchcock in Marnie (1964) and for Sidney Lumet in the physically demanding The Hill (1965), The Anderson Tapes (1971), The Offence (1973), Murder on the Orient Express (1974) and Family Business (1989).