George Lazenby opens up on James Bond legend Sir Sean Connery's death 'I'm very sad'
GEORGE LAZENBY - who played fictional James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service - has broken his silence following the death of Sir Sean Connery, saying the film sensation inspired him "personally".
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George Lazenby, 81, who played fictional James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, has opened up about the tragic news of Sir Sean Connery, who died aged 90 in his sleep. The Australian actor said he is "very sad" over the news.
I'm very sad to be condoling with his family and friends
The James Bond star revealed he had only just wished Sean well for his 90th birthday.
In view of his 9,091 Instagram followers, he wrote: "Only a few weeks ago I was wishing Sean all the best for his 90th birthday.
"Now, I'm very sad to be condoling with his family and friends.
"Of course, Sean Connery as James Bond inspired me personally but seems to have encapsulated an age, the Sixties."
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George looked back on the times he had met the James Bond legend and branded him a "great man".
"I met Sean a couple of times and I was pleased he'd given my Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, his seal of approval.
"He was going to do my film many times and felt it was the best of the Fleming tales.
"But, to me, the most important thing was his work went far beyond Bond: into charity, into family, into politics and into golf."
The actor concluded: "A man after my own heart. A great actor, a great man and underappreciated artist has left us.
"My thoughts are with Lady Micheline and Sean's children and grandchildren. Only love, George XXX."
One fan replied: "Lovely message, George."
Sean's son Jason confirmed the news to the BBC, saying he had been unwell for "some time".
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Fans and stars including Daniel Craig, who became the most recent Bond in 2006's Casino Royale, have shared tributes to the legend today.
"Sean Connery has died at the age of 90," he began to tell his 84,000 followers.
"He was the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen in Dr. No in 1962, & announced these unforgettable words — 'The name’s Bond... James Bond'.
"He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond, RIP."