Sean Connery's Acting Days Are Over As Actor Turns 80

Suave Scot Sean Connery turns 80 today and tells a newspaper that his acting days are over.

The landmark anniversary has prompted a general outpouring of love and appreciation in the media for a man best known for his portrayal of super sleuth James Bond. His six official outings as 007 established him as the definitive Bond in many people’s eyes, including his closest rival for the title, Roger Moore, Reuters Blogs says.

According to The Sun, Sir Sean starred in six of the first seven 007 flicks. Moore acted in the next seven. He and wife Kristina sent their "best wishes" to Sir Sean, adding: "Send us a piece of the cake!" Other pals toasted Edinburgh-born Sir Sean on his 80th. F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart called him "a great ambassador to our nation".

First Minister Alex Salmond added: "Scotland can be proud." And tycoon Donald Trump said: "You may be famous for being 007, but in my book you're No1."