Sean Connery

ABOUT

Sean Connery, born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland, was a legendary actor and producer, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in 20th-century cinema. Connery's charisma, rugged charm, and distinctive voice made him a household name, especially through his portrayal of the suave British secret agent James Bond. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globes.

BEFORE FAME

Before achieving stardom, Connery experienced a variety of occupations. Raised in a working-class family, he left school at age 13 and worked as a milkman, laborer, lorry driver, and coffin polisher. He also served in the Royal Navy but was discharged prematurely due to a duodenal ulcer. Connery's first foray into the entertainment industry began with bodybuilding, which led him to compete in the 1953 Mr. Universe contest, where he placed third. His physical presence and striking looks caught the attention of theatrical agents, beginning his gradual transition into acting.

TRIVIA

• Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, receiving the title Sir Sean Connery.
• He was a fervent supporter of Scottish independence and famously turned down a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the 1990s because it was offered on the recommendation of the UK government, which he disapproved of.
• Connery wore a hairpiece in all his James Bond movies. He began losing his hair at a young age and was almost completely bald by the age of 21.
• His unique, deep voice was ranked the 34th-best in film history by IGN.
• Connery introduced and popularized the catchphrase "Bond, James Bond," which became an iconic line in cinema history.

FAMILY LIFE

Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento in 1962, and the couple had one son, actor Jason Connery, before divorcing in 1973. Later, he married Moroccan-French painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975, a relationship that lasted until his death. Despite his busy career, Connery was known to be a devoted family man who valued privacy and often retreated to his homes in Spain and the Bahamas to escape the public eye.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Sean Connery will forever be most closely associated with the role of James Bond, having starred in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983. He was the first actor to portray the character, originally created by novelist Ian Fleming, on the silver screen, beginning with "Dr. No" and followed by "From Russia with Love," "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," "You Only Live Twice," "Diamonds Are Forever," and the unofficial "Never Say Never Again."

Connery also starred in numerous other critically acclaimed films, working alongside some of Hollywood’s leading directors and actors. He had memorable roles in “The Hunt for Red October,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “The Untouchables,” where he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and “The Rock.”

Sean Connery passed away on October 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic brilliance and an indelible impact on the art of acting. He remains celebrated as an enduring icon in film history.