James Bond actor Sean Connery dies aged 90

James bond Veteran Hollywood actor Sean Connery has passed away at the age of 90.

The Scottish-born actor was best known for starring in seven James Bond films including Dr No and Goldfinger.

Connery was raised in near poverty in the slums of Edinburgh and worked as a; coffin polisher; milkman and lifeguard before his bodybuilding hobby helped launch an acting career that made him one of the world’s biggest stars.

He will be remembered first as British agent 007, the character created by novelist Ian Fleming and immortalized by Connery in films starting with “Dr No” in 1962.

Sean Connery as James Bond

As James Bond, his charming manner and iconic humor in stopping showy villains and cavorting with beautiful women belied a darker, violent edge.

He crafted a depth of character that set the standard for those who followed him in the role.

He would introduce himself in the movies with the signature line; “Bond — James Bond.”

But Connery was unhappy being defined by the role and once said he “hated that damned James Bond”.

Tall and handsome, with a throaty voice to match a sometimes crusty personality; Connery played a series of noteworthy roles besides Bond.

Former James Bond won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a tough Chicago cop in “The Untouchables” (1987).

He was 59 when People magazine declared him the “sexiest man alive” in 1989.

Connery was an ardent supporter of Scotland’s independence; and had the words “Scotland Forever” tattooed on his arm while serving in the Royal Navy.

When he was knighted at the age of 69 by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in 2000 at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh; he wore full Scottish dress including the green-and-black plaid kilt of his mother’s MacLeod clan.