Sean Connery passed away in his sleep from heart failure due to pneumonia and old age, according to his death certificate. The James Bond icon was reportedly at his home in The Bahamas in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, October 31, after he had been “unwell for some time”.
US news outlet TMZ revealed the actor’s death certificate, which showed he died from respiratory failure as a result of pneumonia, old age and atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heat rate that can increase the risk of strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications. He was 90 years old.
Earlier this month, Sir Sean’s wife Micheline Roquebrune, who married the star in 1975, spoke to the Mail on Sunday saying he “got his final wish to slip away without any fuss” after his struggle with dementia.
“It was no life for him,” Micheline said. “It took its toll on him. He was not able to express himself latterly. At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted.”
Meanwhile, his son Jason Connery told the BBC that his dad had been unwell for some time but added that he had “many of his family who could be in The Bahamas around him” when he passed away in the capital, Nassau.
“We are all working at understanding this huge event, as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time,” Jason said. “A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.”
Tributes poured in for the beloved Hollywood icon following his death, with his James Bond alumni kicking it off, including actor Daniel Craig, who said Sean “defined an era and a style”.
“The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster,” he said. “He will continue to influence actors and filmmakers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course.”
Meanwhile, fellow star of the film franchise, Pierce Brosnan said, “Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour 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. Your were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace.”