Legendary actor Sean Connery, best known for playing fictional spy James Bond, has died at the age of 90, leading to an outpouring of tributes for one of Britain's best-loved screen heroes.

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS: Sir Sean's son Jason told the BBC that his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time".

The Scottish actor, who was knighted in 2000, won numerous awards during his decades-spanning career, including an Oscar, three Golden Globes and two Bafta awards.

"He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond," said the movie franchise's producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

"He revolutionised the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent."

The pair added Connery was "undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him."

 A message on a Twitter account maintained for fellow late Bond actor Roger Moore, who died in 2017, called the news of his passing "infinitely sad".

 It added: "He and Roger were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP."

Hollywood star Hugh Jackman said: "I grew up idolizing #SeanConnery. A legend on screen, and off. Rest In Peace."

Connery, born in Edinburgh in 1930, claimed his sole Oscar in 1988 for best supporting actor for his role as an Irish cop in "The Untouchables".

He also starred in "The Hunt for Red October", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "The Rock".

But it is his smooth, Scottish-accented portrayal of the suave spy 007 that earned him lasting worldwide fame and adoration.

The first actor to utter the unforgettable "Bond, James Bond", Connery made six official films as novelist Ian Fleming's creation, giving what many still consider as the definitive portrayal.