Adieu Sir Sean Connery!

Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family has said.

The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, Agent 007, being the first to bring the role to the big screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers viz. * Dr No (1962) * From Russia with Love (1963) * Goldfinger (1964) * Thunderball (1965) * You Only Live Twice (1967) * Diamonds are Forever (1971) * Never Say Never Again (1983).

Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said. His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in 'The Untouchables'. Sir Sean's other films included 'The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade and The Rock.

His son said his father "had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him" when he died overnight in Nassau. Much of the Bond film 'Thunderball' had been filmed there.

Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, said Sir Sean was "one of the true greats of cinema". "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more", he said. "He defined an era and a style. TH\he wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.

In reference to Sir Sean's love of the game, he added : "Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course".

Sir Sean, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, had his first major film appearance in the 1957 British gangster film 'No Road Back'. He was largely regarded as being the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, often being named as such in polls.

Connery made the character of James Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit. Many critics didn't like it and some of the reviews were scathing. But the public did not agree.

The action scenes, sex and exotic locations were a winning formula.

In truth, his Bond is now a museum piece; the portrayal of women impossibly dated. The action scenes are still thrilling but the sex too often bordered on the non-consensual.

Thankfully, it has been a while since 007 slapped a woman on the backside and forced a kiss. But Connery's performance was of its time, enjoyed by millions of both sexes and gave the silver screen a 20th Century icon.

He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.

His unforgettable words, "the name's Bond......James Bond".

Adieu Sir Sean Connery. You shall always be my James Bond and I must hasten to add that I don't mean to disrespect the subsequent actors who had donned that role! My tears and salute to an icon!! May the family have the strength to tide over these stressful times!!!

Source : Adapted. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Wished Malu and Rajeesh a happy wedding anniversary. 

Participated in the Aazhchakkoottam from 1600-1700 hrs on 'Women and Covid' by Dr Amar Fetil. It was nice.