Entertainment
Sir Sean Connery’s brother Neil dies aged 82, seven months after James Bond legend’s death
Sir Sean Connery’s brother, Neil Connery, has died at the age of 82, it has been revealed.
A friend of Neil announced the news in a Facebook post this week, just seven months after his older brother, James Bond legend Sir Sean, died aged 90.
Steve Begg, the friend, wrote: ‘My good friend and Edinburgh drinking buddy Neil Connery passed away early this morning I’m sad to report.
‘He considered me a lacklustre challenge when it came to the drinking stakes but I considered him with respect. He looked and sounded like his big bro so going out with him was always interesting to say the leasht.
‘Mish you Neil [sic].’
George Lazenby, who played James Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, also paid tribute and tweeted: ‘He will join his great brother xx.’
Neil had an acting career in his own right and was best known for starring in James Bond spoof Operation Kid Brother, in which he starred as 007’s sibling. He also appeared in 1969 movie The Body Stealers and an episode of Taggert in 1989.
Sir Sean was supportive of Neil’s career and the younger sibling once recalled advice the Bond star gave him.
‘Take it easy, make sure everything is in black-and-white before you sign it; and ensure it’s to your advantage,’ Neil recalled to Photoplay magazine.
On another occasion, he said of Sir Sean’s thoughts on his acting foray: ‘People have said that he doesn’t like what I’m doing, but I think he realises I’m no danger to his career.
‘He’s an established actor, and I’ve seen all his films and enjoyed every one of them…He wished me luck, and I know he’s interested in how I make out.’
Sir Sean and Neil had a close relationship growing up together in a working class area of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The From Russia With Love actor generously gave his younger sibling suits and shoes, and even a Jaguar car on one occasion.
Neil is survived by his wife Eleanor and two daughters Martine and Leone.
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