Brian McCardie has sadly passed away at the age of 59.
The Scottish actor, perhaps best known for his role as the villainous John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in BBC's Line of Duty, passed away on Sunday (April 28).
Credit: BBC
The heartbreaking news was confirmed in a social media post, reading: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
"Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon. We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.
"Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead."
McCardie alongside Sean Bean in Time. Credit: BBC
McCardie has also appeared in the acclaimed BBC drama Time, alongside Stephen Graham and Sean Bean.
He also wowed fans with his portrayal of Sir Marcus MacRannoch in the historical drama Outlander.
Other credits include 200 Cigarettes, Snatch, Murphy's Law, Shameless, Filth, and The Long Shadow.
Despite being in some action-packed roles, McCardie revealed in an interview with The Scottish Herald last year, the actor actually enjoys a quiet life off-screen.
"I guess I’m quite boring," he said. "I like to go to work, do my best, and come home."
During the interview, he expressed his passion for photography, writing poetry, and being among nature.
In 2021, McCardie spoke to the Radio Times about his recent influx of playing baddies, to which he joked: “Maybe someday I’ll work my way up to being a Bond villain.
McCardie in 1999. Credit: Ron Galella / Getty
Explaining why he believes he is often seen as a great villain actor, he said: "I suppose it’s because I have a gravelly voice and my accent can come across quite aggressively if required.
"When I was younger, I worried about being pigeon-holed but I spent years playing some lovely wee guys. It’s been a novelty over the past decade to get baddies. "
Our thoughts go out to McCardie's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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.
Actor Sean Bean has finally decided that enough is enough and is no longer accepting roles where his character dies.
By this point, it's a trope so well associated with the actor that having his character live for longer than a few episodes, or scenes, as the case may be, is a surprise to fans, who have seen his fictional mortal coil come to an end a whopping 500 times.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: HBO]]
Now, in an interview with Digital Spy, promoting his latest role on the BBC's World on Fire, where he plays an army veteran, the actor revealed that he's "turned stuff down" because it involved his character's death.
"I found it rather more interesting to play someone who is fractured and slightly broken by his experiences and trying to put on a front for his children and try and hold the family together," Bean explained.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Ben Blackall / BBC]]
"He's playing a character upon a character with many underlying conflicting moods and feelings about how he should be as a father and how he views the world. He's a quieter man," the 60-year-old continued.
"He's broken and he's just trying to hold on. It's very poignant and very fulfilling to play someone that's not a hero, big and strong, but a man who's hanging on and is afraid. Playing someone who's not necessarily a hero or a villain, but someone who has been affected by war, which is a story in itself."
[[imagecaption|| Credit: BBC / Mammoth Screen]]
"And finding out the physical and psychological damage that caused and how that manifests itself in his body language and habits," Bean said.
Watch Game of Thrones win Best Drama Series at the Emmys...
As well all know, despite having one of the most important roles in the series, Bean was only in Game of Thrones for one season, and according to the actor, this was a little disappointing as it meant he couldn't explore the deeper layers of Ned Stark's character.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: HBO]]
"They told me straight away [that I was going to die]," he recalled. "They'd cast me and Peter Dinklage at the time, but they made it very clear, and I was alright with that. Sometimes you think I don't want to get stuck in one of these series for seven years.
"But I wish, I had to be honest [laughs]. I guess you can't change the story, the writing. It was very clear what George RR Martin wanted to happen to Ned Stark, and it did."
We're going to go out on a limb and say that Bean's character in World on Fire lives.
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
Pierce Brosnan has taken to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to the late James Bond star Sir Sean Connery.
Yesterday (October 31), Connery's family revealed that the Oscar-winning star had passed away in his sleep at the age of 90 at his home in the Bahamas.
Following the news of the actor's passing, many people have shared their tributes to Connery and reflected on his role as the first man to play James Bond on the big screen - including Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond between 1995 and 2002.
Writing to his 1.4 million Instagram followers, Brosnan described Connery as the "greatest James Bond", and said the late star will be missed.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: PA Images]]
"Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself," Brosnan typed.
"You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendor that will live on forever. You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic footsteps.
"Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role. You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time.
"[You] were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace."
But Brosnan isn't the only Bond star to pay their respects to the late Sir Sean, as current James Bond star Daniel Craig also shared a tribute 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."
Former James Bond star George Lazenby, who portrayed the spy in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, also penned a touching tribute to Connery. He wrote:
"Only a few weeks ago I was wishing Sean all the best for his 90th birthday. Now, I'm very sad to be condoling with his family and friends.
"Of course, Sean Connery as James Bond inspired me personally but seems to have encapsulated an age, the Sixties.
"I met Sean a couple of times and I was pleased he'd given my Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, his seal of approval.
"He was going to do my film many times and felt it was the best of the Fleming tales. But, to me, the most important thing was his work went far beyond Bond: into charity, into family, into politics and into golf. A man after my own heart.
"A great actor, a great man and underappreciated artist has left us.
"My thoughts are with Lady Micheline and Sean's children and grandchildren. Only love, George XXX"
And per the New York Times, Timothy Dalton, who portrayed James Bond in the movies The Living Daylights (1987) and License To Kill (1989), said in a statement:
"Sean was a wonderful presence. A great leading man."
Several other 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."
And 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."
Since Sir Sean's passing, his widow, Micheline Roquebrune, has opened up about the star's battle with dementia.
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.
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