Earlier today, the family of Sir Sean Connery revealed that the actor had passed away at the age of 90.
Per BBC News, the legendary James Bond star died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son confirmed.
Now, current James Bond star Daniel Craig has paid his respects to the man many consider to be the greatest 007 ever.
Describing Connery as "one of the true greats of cinema", Craig said: "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."
And in reference to Connery's love of the sport, he added: "Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."
Dame Shirley Bassey, who sang the themes to three Bond films including Goldfinger, paid tribute saying: "I'm incredibly saddened to hear of Sean's passing. My thoughts are with his family. He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman and we will be forever connected by Bond."
Many other stars and members of the James Bond family also paid their respects to the late star.
The family of the late actor Roger Moore - who portrayed 007 on the big screen seven times - said in a heartfelt tribute:
"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. RIP."
And James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a shared 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."
Actor Hugh Jackman also paid his respects to the late star, writing: "I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace."
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon also spoke out on social media, as the nation "mourns one of her best-loved sons".
Sturgeon wrote in a lengthy Twitter thread: "I was heartbroken to learn this morning of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. Our nation today mourns one of her best-loved sons.
"Sean was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent and sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world's most accomplished actors.
"Sean will be remembered best as James Bond – the classic 007 – but his roles were many and varied. He was a global legend but, first and foremost, a patriotic and proud Scot – his towering presence at the opening of @ScotParl in 1999 showed his love for the country of his birth."
She added that Connery was "a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude".
Sturgeon concluded by saying: "It was a privilege to have known Sean.
"When I last spoke to him it was clear even then that his health was failing – but the voice, the spirit, and the passion that we all loved so well were still there. I will miss him. Scotland will miss him. The world will miss him. My thoughts and condolences are with Micheline, their children, and all the family. RIP Sir Sean Connery."
Jurassic Park legend and Connery's co-star in The Hunt for Red October Sam Niell wrote: "Every day on set with #SeanConnery was an object lesson in how to act on screen. But all that charisma and power- that was utterly unique to Sean.
"RIP that great man, that great actor."
Star Trek legend George Takei also shared his respects to the late actor, writing: "Sean Connery was a movie legend, even far into his golden years.
"Our strongest Bonds were formed by him, and he was Untouchable. He passed today at age 90, a suave hero to the end."
Connery was born in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland on August 15, 1930.
Connery first starred as James Bond in the 1962 movie Dr. No. He would reprise his role as Bond for the movies From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).
He would return to play Bond for the final time in the 1983 movie Never Say Never Again (which was not produced by Eon Productions).
The Hollywood legend is also known for his other roles in movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and The Rock (1996).
Along with two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes, Connery scooped the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 for his role as an Irish cop in The Untouchables.
Connery would go on to receive a long-overdue knighthood from the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.
He is survived by wife Micheline Roquebrune, his son by Cilento, actor Jason Connery; and a grandson from Jason’s marriage to actress Mia Sara.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
