Sir Sean Connery has died aged 90.

The multi-award-winning Scottish actor is most famous for playing MI6 spy James Bond, and was the first to bring the role to the big screen with Dr No.

He appeared in seven of the official 007 movies in the 1960s and 70s, and was knighted by the Queen in 2000.

His son Jason told the BBC Sir Sean passed away in his sleep overnight in the Bahamas, after being unwell 'for some time'.

Sir Sean starred in around 70 movies, including blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock. 

He won an Oscar and three Golden Globes during his long acting career. 

The BBC reported the death of the actor, who celebrated his 90th birthday in August, on Saturday afternoon.

Hollywood stars and politicians have paid tribute to the actor, who remains one of the most successful British screen stars of the 20th century. 

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Hugh Jackman said on Twitter: "I grew up idolizing Sean Connery. A legend on screen, and off."

And Fellow Scot Robert Carlyle posted: "RIP Sir Sean Connery.. a trailblazer, a true legend and a gentleman.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was 'heartbroken' to learn of his death. 

The offical 007 account posted a picture of Sir Sean standing next to Bond's iconic Aston Martin. 

James Bond Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery.

"He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words The name’s Bond... James Bond.”

"He revolutionised the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent.

"He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him.”

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Sir Sean’s son Jason told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been 'unwell for some time'.

Jason Connery said his father “had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him” when he died.

He said: “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 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.”