By Abb Jones
The Reelness

Sean Connery, the Scottish actor best known for his role as the original, iconic 007 in the James Bond spy films, has died at age 90.

The BBC reports the actor, who had not been well for some time, died in his sleep in the Bahamas.

Born in poverty in 1930 in the slums of Edinburgh, Connery worked as an unskilled laborer, then did a brief stint in the British Royal Navy, before picking up bodybuilding and finishing 3rd in the 1950 Mr. Universe contest. He then moved to London, took a crash course in singing and dancing and landed his first a role, in the chorus in South Pacific.

Connery was an unknown when chosen for the part of James Bond in the first film, Dr. No, in 1962. He quickly became an international superstar, reprising the role in six more Bond films including Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds are Forever.

Later in his career Connery would win a couple of BAFTAs, including one for his leading role in 1986’s The Name of the Rose, a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his 1987 role in The Untouchables and three Golden Globe awards. Other film credits include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt for Red October. 

Connery is survived by his second wife of 45 years, painter Micheline Roquebrunend, son Jason Connery from his first marriage and a grandson, Dashiell.