The gun barrel view of 007 – the first 007 – as he faces the camera to fire a deadly shot is, along with Chaplin’s tramp and Rhett carrying Scarlett up the staircase, one of the most iconic images in cinema. The announcement of Sean Connery’s death on Saturday naturally brought out strong emotions on social media from movie lovers, and those who work in the entertainment industry.
Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, made a statement through the film franchise’s official social media channels, saying “It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. 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. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”
The estate of Roger Moore, the third actor to play James Bond, said that Moore always considered Connery to be “the best ever James Bond.”
Sam Neill, who worked with Connery on The Hunt For Red October, remarked on his unique “charisma and power.”
Hugh Jackman called Connery his idol.
Viola Davis called him “our James Bond icon.”
Director Paul Feig, known to look good in a suit himself, called him suave.
Also focusing on Connery’s charisma, Elizabeth Hurley found a particularly dreamy photo to share on her social media feed.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, shared some thoughts on Edinburgh’s most famous son.
While Connery will forever be first thought of as James Bond, there was more to his career. (Indeed, his one Academy Award was for his supporting role in 1988’s The Untouchables.) Fans were eager to recall the breadth of his output. Among them, Stephen King.
Additional tributes came in from Cary Elwes, George Takei, Edgar Wright, and Robert Carlyle.
One of the great film nerd Twitter accounts, @TheSpaceshipper, took this opportunity to remind followers that Connery was more involved in sci fi than some may remember.
Indeed, to a certain core of underground moviegoer, John Boorman‘s 1974 freak show Zardoz may have had just as much impact as Goldfinger or Dr. No. Comic book writer Jimmy Palmiotti (one of the leading creators of Harley Quinn) represented that side of the fandom.
Film critic and historian Bilge Ebiri reminded that Connery pretty much invented the trope of the wise-cracking action hero.
With jokes in mind, Connery’s fun-to-imitate his Scottish accent was, for many, a source of fond memories with the news of his death. Let’s end with this likely true comment from Jake Tapper.
More Great Stories From Vanity Fair
— November Cover Star Gal Gadot Is in a League of Her Own
— A First Look at Diana and Margaret Thatcher in The Crown Season Four
— Celebs Roast Trump in Rhyme for John Lithgow’s Trumpty Dumpty Book
— Brace Yourself for George Clooney’s Apocalyptic Movie The Midnight Sky
— The Best Shows and Movies Streaming This October
— Inside Netflix’s Latest Binge-able Escape, Emily in Paris
— The Crown’s Young Stars on Prince Charles and Princess Di
— From the Archive: How Hollywood Sharks, Mafia Kingpins, and Cinematic Geniuses Shaped The Godfather
— Not a subscriber? Join Vanity Fair to receive full access to VF.com and the complete online archive now.