Sir Sean Connery, the legendary Scottish actor best known for playing the original on-screen James Bond, has passed away at the age of 90, his family said on Saturday. He epitomised the suave yet cold-hearted spy James Bond in seven iconic thrillers and won several awards, including one Oscar. He was also Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in the year 2000. Connery was an audience favorite for more than 40 years and one of the screen’s most reliable and distinctive leading men. The actor was recently voted the best James Bond actor in an August Radio Times poll in the U.K.

His son told BBC that the actor died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, and was unwell for some time. James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. He 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.”

The seven films Connery appeared in as James Bond are: 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). His other notable films included The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock.