Harrison Ford has shared a heartfelt tribute to Sean Connery, who played his onscreen father in Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.
In an official statement delivered to Variety on Monday, the actor opened up about the time he spent with the late James Bond star while filming the 1989 movie, stating: "He was my father…not in life…but in 'Indy 3' [sic]"
Ford continued:
"You don’t know pleasure until someone pays you to take Sean Connery for a ride in the sidecar of a Russian motorcycle bouncing along a bumpy, twisty mountain trail and getting to watch him squirm.
"God, we had fun. If he’s in heaven, I hope they have golf courses. Rest in peace, dear friend."
Per BBC News, Connery died in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas at the age of 90. The news of his passing was confirmed by his son on Saturday, October 31.
Per Variety, Star Wars creator and Indiana Jones co-creator George Lucas also paid his respects to the Scottish actor, writing:
"Sir Sean Connery, through his talent and drive, left an indelible mark in cinematic history. His audiences spanned generations, each with favorite roles he played.
"He will always hold a special place in my heart as Indy’s dad. With an air of intelligent authority and sly sense of comedic mischief, only someone like Sean Connery could render Indiana Jones immediately into boyish regret or relief through a stern fatherly chiding or rejoiceful hug.
"I’m thankful for having had the good fortune to have known and worked with him. My thoughts are with his family."
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Meanwhile, fellow Bond actor Pierce Brosnan wrote to his 1.4 million Instagram followers "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. 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."
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Daniel Craig also shared his condolences, stating: "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."