Sean Connery death: Pierce Brosnan calls Scottish actor ‘greatest James Bond’

It’s rare to see an actual 007 actor wade into the Bond debate

The world is continuing to pay tribute to  Sean Connery, who died, aged 90, overnight Saturday (31 October).

The Scottish actor was a screen icon whose credits included seven James Bond films, The Untouchables and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Connery's Bond actors Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan paid tribute to the actor, with the latter revealing he was actually his all-time favourite incarnation of the spy.

“Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself,” the Irish actor wrote on Instagram.

The debate regarding the identity of the greatest Bond is one that will wage on – but it's rare to see one of the 007 actors themselves officially reveal their stance.

“You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever,” Brosnan continued, adding: “You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic foot steps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role.”

Brosnan – who was the fifth Bond – appeared in five of the series's films from 1995 (GoldenEye) to 2002 (Die Another Day).

Craig – who Connery once said was a “terrific” choice to play the spy – called Connery "one of the true cinema greats" in his tribute.

In 2003, Connery retired from making films following a terrible on-set experience.

Find The Independent's tribute to Connery here, and our ranking of his 10 best roles here.