Sean Connery's widow reveals actor battled dementia before his death: 'It took its toll on him' - 9TheFIX

Sean Connery's wife, Micheline Roquebrune, has opened up about her late husband's final days.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, the artist revealed that the James Bond actor, who passed away on Saturday, had been struggling with dementia.

"It was no life for him," she said. "It took its toll on him. He was not able to express himself latterly. At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted."

Sean Connery and his Wife Micheline Roquebrune attend a premiere in London, 1990 circa. (Getty)

Connery died while staying in the Bahamas. In a statement, Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Connery "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."

Sean Connery in the restaurant of the golf of La Manga del Mar Menor with his wife Micheline Roquebrune, 1973, Murcia, Spain. (Getty)

Connery is survived by Roquebrune, whom he married in 1975; his son by ex-wife Diane Cilento, actor Jason Connery; and a grandson from Jason's marriage to actress Mia Sara.

The Bond star was married to Australian actress Cilento from 1962. The couple divorced in 1973 and Cilento died in 2011.

According to his family, there will be a "private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended."

A number of actors who held the role of James Bond were among the first to share their tributes to Connery. Current Bond star Daniel Craig said, "He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster... Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."

Meanwhile, Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond from 1995-2005, named Connery the "greatest James Bond".

"You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever," he wrote via Instagram. "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."

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2020-11-01 20:21:00Z
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