Six years after Sir Sean Connery's death, his widow has revealed the heartbreaking private struggle the screen legend faced in his final days, including his inability to express himself as dementia took hold.
The Scottish actor, who defined James Bond and won an Oscar for The Untouchables, died in the Bahamas aged 90. His wife of 45 years, Micheline Roquebrune, opened up about his dementia diagnosis and its tragic effect on him.
A Peaceful Passing
Speaking about his final days, Roquebrune revealed the heartache of watching the screen titan fade away, explaining he was "not able to express himself" towards the end.
"It was no life for him," she shared in a moving statement at the time. "He had dementia and it took its toll on him. He got his final wish to slip away without any fuss. It was what he wanted. He died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away."
His son Jason also paid tribute, saying it was a "sad loss for a people around the world." He continued: "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."
A Legendary Career
Connery remains best known as the original James Bond, first bringing Ian Fleming's suave secret agent to life on the silver screen in 1962's Dr No, and going on to star in a total of seven Bond blockbusters.
Raised in near poverty in Edinburgh, a young Connery worked as a coffin polisher, milkman, and lifeguard before his passion for bodybuilding helped pave his way into acting. After Bond launched him to global superstardom, he enjoyed more than four decades at the top of Hollywood, earning an Oscar, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.
A proud Scotsman, he was knighted by the Queen in 2000 for his services to film drama, collecting his honour at Holyrood Palace wearing full Highland dress.
The Search for the Next 007
Fans are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of a new 007 on screen, after Daniel Craig quit the role following five Bond movies. Reports suggest four names are in the running, all of whom have been screen testing for the part: Callum Turner (Masters of the Air), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses), and Josh O'Connor (Challengers), alongside a so-called 'mystery actor'.
An official announcement on the new James Bond is expected before the end of the year.
