Pierce Brosnan wishes happy 90th birthday to Sean Connery 'my Bond of inspiration'

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has sent birthday wishes to Sir Sean Connery, the first big screen 007, who is celebrating his 90th birthday on 25 August.

In a post on Brosnan’s Instagram the Irish star, who retired as Bond after 2002’s Die Another Day, said he watched Connery play the secret agent in 1964’s Goldfinger as an eleven-year-old boy, hailing the Scot as “my Bond of inspiration”.

The post showed the pair of Bond icons enjoying a drink together at some point in the past.

It’s not the first time Brosnan has paid tribute to Connery. In 2006, he spoke movingly at the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award event for the Scottish star saying “Sean, I have walked in your footsteps, and danced in the shadow you have cast on film history. As an actor I carry you both in my head and in my heart.

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“You are a man who has marched to his own drum, who has created his own legend far greater than Bond, and who has done mighty work that will be cherished forever.”

Connery play Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in six official Bond films - Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever. He also reprised the role in 1983’s unofficial Never Say Never Again.

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The 90-year-old star retired from acting, with his last screen appearance coming in 2003’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He also voiced the lead character in 2012’s animated film Sir Billi.