Actor Michael Lonsdale has passed away at the age of 89.
News of Lonsdale's passing was confirmed by AFP, via his agent, on Monday, BBC News reports.
The iconic actor was perhaps best known for his role as villain Hugo Drax in the 1979 James Bond movie Moonraker, and for starring as the detective Claude Lebel in the 1971 film The Day of the Jackal.
Lonsdale's career spanned an impressive six decades, during which, he starred in over 200 English and French roles.
[[imagecaption|| Michael Lonsdale during the 36th Cesar Film Awards ceremony in 2011. Credit: PA Images]]
In a 2012 interview with Mi6 HQ, the esteemed actor was asked whether he ever had any concerns that portraying a Bond villain would impact negatively upon his career.
"On the contrary!" he said. "Because, I made so many films that were not really very popular or didn't make much money, and I only made poor films, so I thought I might like to be in a rich film."
Later on in the interview, he revealed:
"My teacher, when I was at school for the theatre, told me that 'One day you will have to play someone very nasty.' "But really, he is such a terrible character, a sort of Nazi. I mean, Drax is like Hitler. He wanted to destroy everybody and rain down a new order of very athletic, young people... He was mad completely."
[[imagecaption|| Best film Xavier Beauvois and Michael Lonsdale during the 36th Cesar Film Awards ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on February 25, 2011.]]
Fans and associates have been tweeting to pay their respects to the Anglo-French actor.
Indeed, the official Twitter page for the late Sir Roger Moore wrote of Lonsdale's passing: "Terribly saddened to learn Michael Lonsdale has also passed away today. As Hugo Drax he was a smooth-tongued and cultured adversary to 007 in Moonraker."
Film critic for The New Yorker, Richard Brody, wrote: "In memory of Michael Lonsdale, the secret agent of cinematic modernity, whose intense artistic curiosity led him wherever it was happening and whose exacting artistry made it happen wherever he was."
Earlier today, the family of Sir Sean Connery revealed that the actor had passed away at the age of 90.
The Scottish actor is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ian Flemming's British spy, James Bond - appearing in seven of the most popular movies in the franchise.
Now, people have flooded to social media to pay their respects to the "best ever James Bond".
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
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."
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."
[[imagecaption|| Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) meets Sean Connery (James Bond) before the filming of the third Bond movie 'Goldfinger'. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
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).
[[imagecaption|| A scene from the 1963 film From Russia With Love. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
[[imagecaption|| Sir Sean Connery with wife Micheline after he was formally knighted by the Queen during a investiture ceremony, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
Daniel Craig was recorded getting emotional as he said goodbye to the cast and crew during his final appearance as James Bond.
The 53-year-old actor has been playing the iconic British spy since 2006's Casino Royale. Since then, he has starred as 007 in four other installments: Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and the upcoming 2021 movie No Time To Die.
The release of No Time To Die next month will mean that Craig has played Bond a total of five times - the third most of any actor, with both Sean Connery and Roger Moore playing the role a total of seven times each. (Yes, I've included Connery's non-Eon 1983 appearance in Never Say Never Again - don't come for me in the comments section.)
Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy
So, it's only understandable that over the last 15 years, Craig has become a little attached to the role that made him an international star.
Now, in a clip from Apple TV's Being James Bond, we can see just how much the role meant to Craig as he delivered an emotional address to the cast and crew on what was reportedly the last day of filming No Time To Die back in 2019.
Check out the clip below:
In the short snippet, Craig states how he has "loved every single second" of playing Bond, telling the crew: "A lot of people here worked on five pictures with me, and I know there's a lot of things said about what I think about these films or all of those, whatever.
"But I've loved every single second of these movies, and especially this one, because I've gotten up every morning and I've had the chance to work with you guys and that has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
I can quite honestly say the clip has left me both shaken and stirred.
And the reaction to the clip online has been just as heartwarming as the actor's sentiments.
One Twitter user wrote: "I was kind of skeptical at first, but by the end of Casino Royale, I was on board the Daniel Craig train. Can't believe it's been 15 years. A stellar job through and through, sir."
A second added: "Whatever is in store for the next era of 007, Daniel Craig will forever have a special place in my heart as the one who got me into the world of James Bond. World's greatest secret agent."
You've done us all proud, Daniel!
Featured image credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy
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.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
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."
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."
[[imagecaption|| Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) meets Sean Connery (James Bond) before the filming of the third Bond movie 'Goldfinger'. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
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).
[[imagecaption|| A scene from the 1963 film From Russia With Love. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
[[imagecaption|| Sir Sean Connery with wife Micheline after he was formally knighted by the Queen during a investiture ceremony, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
Following the passing of Sir Sean Connery, many stars of the James Bond movies have shared their memories of working with the man many consider to be the "greatest James Bond ever".
Connery's family revealed on Saturday (October 31), that the Oscar winner had passed away in his sleep at the age of 90 at his home in the Bahamas.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
Following heartfelt tributes from 007 actors Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan, now perhaps Connery's Dr. No co-star Ursula Andress has spoken out about working with the big-screen icon.
Perhaps Connery's most iconic and recognizable co-star out of all of his Bond movies, Andress played the bikini-clad Honey Ryder in Eon Productions' first movie in the franchise back in 1962.
The legendary Bond girl spoke to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera about working with Connery, recalling how the Scottish was "was full of vitality" and "of passion for women".
Speaking about Connery's passing, Andress said: "I feel great pain over Sean Connery's death.
"He was a great man. Today, such men no longer exist, they are all too narcissistic, too absorbed in themselves. Someone like Sean is hard to find today. He was a great friend and a fabulous actor."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
Speaking about the moment she first met Connery, Andress said: "I was a little scared. We were on the set in Kingston and I didn't know Jamaica.
"We met for the first time in the dining room of the small hotel where we were staying; he was alone at the table and I was fearful. But then it all passed. During the making of the film he was very protective of me, adorable, fantastic."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
Recalling the friendship between the two, the 84-year-old star said: "He had a sense of humor that I liked a lot. The last time I saw him was in Switzerland. Sean had a house near me in Gstaad.
"We spent many evenings together and he would invite me everywhere, Monte Carlo, London, New York, from when we met until now we always remained friends."
She concluded by saying: "We lived some beautiful moments and I will always have fabulous memories.
"For me, Sean is not dead. He will always be alive, with me forever."
Per the BBC, the news of the legendary actor's passing was confirmed by his family.
The Scottish actor is best known for his portrayal of Ian Flemming's British spy, James Bond - appearing in seven of the most popular movies in the franchise.
[[imagecaption|| Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) meets Sean Connery (James Bond) before the filming of the third Bond movie 'Goldfinger'. Credit: PA Images]]
He was born in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland on August 15, 1930.
Connery first starred as 007 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).
[[imagecaption|| A scene from the 1963 film From Russia With Love. Credit: PA Images]]
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.
[[imagecaption|| Sir Sean Connery with wife Micheline after he was formally knighted by the Queen during a investiture ceremony, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Credit: PA Images]]
The iconic actor married actress Diane Cilento in 1962, before divorcing in 1973.
He would go on to marry his second wife, painter Micheline Roquebrune, in 1975.
He is survived by 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.
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