It's a well-known fact that the legendary Sean Connery was Steven Spielberg's only choice to play Indiana Jones' father in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Now, Indy himself, Harrison Ford, has paid tribute to the late actor who took on the role of Henry Jones Sr. in the classic movie.
"He was my father...not in life...but in Indy 3," Ford said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "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."
Connery brought a lot to the franchise, and was responsible for one of its most memorable moments (Dr. Jones finally calling his son "Indiana" to save him from certain doom).
Star Wars director and Indiana Jones producer George Lucas has also shared his thoughts on the iconic actor's legacy, stating: "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," he continued. "I’m thankful for having had the good fortune to have known and worked with him. My thoughts are with his family."
Needless to say, we'll probably all be rewatching The Last Crusade this weekend after these comments!