Sean Connery, the first James Bond, dies at 90

(CNN) – Sean Connery, the Scottish actor whose five-decade film career was dominated by the role of James Bond, has died at the age of 90, the BBC reported, citing a statement from his son Jason.

Connery, who was awarded a knighthood in 2000 for his contribution to the arts, played the British spy in seven films, beginning with “Dr. No ‘in 1962.

It wasn’t just Bond, of course. Connery starred in an Alfred Hitchcock film, “Marnie” from 1964, opposite Tippi Hedren; was part of the all-star cast in 1974’s “Murder on the Orient Express”; he played Indiana Jones’s father in 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”; and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Chicago cop Jim Malone in the 1987 film “The Untouchables.”

But like so many characters in Bond movies, he was never able to escape 007. He dropped out of the role twice before finally ending his role in 1983, titled “Never Say Never Again.”

Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “heartbroken” to learn of Connery’s death.

“Our nation today is mourning one of its most beloved children,” he said in a statement Saturday. “Sean was born into a working-class family in Edinburgh, and through talent and hard work, he became a film icon and one of the most accomplished actors in the world.”

Sturgeon also paid tribute to Connery’s commitment to his native country and his advocacy of an independent Scotland, adding that it was a “privilege” to have met him.

Sean was a world legend, but above all, he was a proud and patriotic Scotsman. His commanding presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament was a sign of his dedication to his country, ”he said.

“He was a lifelong advocate for an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Connery retired from acting in 2005.

CNN’s Simon Cullen contributed to this report.