Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig pay tribute to 'Greatest James Bond' Sean Connery

Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig paid tribute to the "Greatest James Bond" actor Sean Connery. 

Pierce Brosnan took to Instagram to honour his fellow James Bond actor while Daniel issued a statement to Variety on the demise of the legendary actor, reports Variety.

Pierce took to his Instagram page and penned, "Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendor that will live on forever," Brosnan wrote alongside a black-and-white picture of the late actor. "You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic footsteps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role."

"You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time. You were loved by the world, and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace," added the actor. 

Daniel Craig paid tribute to Sean Connery, calling his fellow 007, "one of the true greats of cinema."

Craig in his statement to Variety beautifully expressed his sentiment, "It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema," Craig said in a statement. "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course."

Connery was the first actor to portray the 007, starring in seven Bond films, starting with Dr No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Never Say Never Again (1983)."

Stars including Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner, Sir Michael Caine and those who followed Sir Sean as 007, including Daniel Craig, George Lazenby and Brosnan, joined the world of film and beyond in remembering the late actor.