Sean Connery and Honor Blackman in a picture during filming of James Bond film in March 1964. Photo: IC

Sean Connery, the legendary Scottish actor who was best known as the pioneer of the James Bond film series, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday at the age of 90. 

This slum born top-tier international star was the first actor to interpret the fictional British secret agent James Bond on the silver screen in total of seven films from 1962 till 1983, including Dr. No (1962), Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Never Say Never Again (1983). With his attractive appearance and excellent acting skills, Connery was considered to be the most definitive figure to depict the suave and intelligent British agent 007 penned by author Ian Fleming in his original novel. 

Given the publicity Connery gained from the 007 franchise, the famous and bankable star also played a series of notable roles such as the wealthy widower in Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie (1964), a tough Irish-American cop in The Untouchables (1987) and collaborated with Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris in the action thriller film The Rock (1996). 

The prolific actor earned several achievements such as two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes and was knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2000. Those remarkable successes show his significant place in the world's film history. 

The news caused the star's fans in China to take to social media to grieve. More than 30,000 people on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo joined the topic to reminisce about the actor. 

"My name is Bond, James Bond." " Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred." Two fans of the Bond films paid homage to Connery on Sina Weibo by referring to his classic lines in the films. 

"The Rock to me is the best action movie, it is unbeliveble to think he has passed away. He is a legend," another Chinese neitizen commented on Sina Weibo. 

Since Connery's death coincided with Halloween, some netizens on Sina Weibo took it as an opportunity to express their feelings. 

"Today is Halloween, I really wish the news that said he had passed away was a trick, that it wasn't true. Wish you all the best in Heaven," said another user on Sina Weibo.