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Last updated on the 8 June 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 25 August 1930, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sean Connery’s early life was a far cry from the glitz and glamour he would later embody. Raised in a working-class family, his father a factory worker and his mother a cleaning lady, young Sean left school at a young age to contribute to the household income.
He took on a variety of odd jobs, from milkman to coffin polisher, while simultaneously nurturing a passion for bodybuilding. This dedication led him to compete in the 1953 Mr. Universe competition, where he placed a very respectable third. It was there that a fellow competitor suggested Sean try his hand at acting, a turning point that would forever alter his life’s trajectory.
With no formal training, Sean Connery’s natural charisma and imposing physique landed him roles as extras in various theatre productions. He eventually secured a lead role in a touring production of “South Pacific.” This success paved the way for his film debut in the late 1950s. While his early film appearances were minor, they showcased his screen presence and growing talent.
Then came 1962, the year that catapulted Sean Connery to international stardom. He landed the iconic role of James Bond in “Dr. No,” the first film in the soon-to-be legendary franchise. Connery’s portrayal of the suave, sophisticated secret agent, complete with his signature dry wit and martini order (“shaken, not stirred”), was a revelation.
The film’s success spawned a string of Bond sequels, with Connery reprising the role in six further films throughout the 1960s and 70s. These included classics like “From Russia with Love,” “Goldfinger,” and “Thunderball,” firmly establishing Bond as a pop culture phenomenon and Sean Connery as the definitive 007.
Despite the immense success of Bond, Connery was determined to avoid being typecast. Throughout his career, he actively sought diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor. He delivered powerful performances in films like “Marnie” (directed by Alfred Hitchcock), “The Man Who Would Be King ,” and “The Untouchables,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988.
Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento in 1962, with whom he had a son, Jason Connery, who also became an actor. The couple divorced in 1971. Later in life, he found companionship with Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune, whom he married in 2000.
Sir Sean Connery, knighted by the Queen in 2000, retired from acting in 2006. He passed away peacefully in 2020 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema’s most captivating and versatile actors. From his humble beginnings in Edinburgh to his reign as the original James Bond and beyond, Sean Connery’s life story is a testament to hard work, talent and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
WINNER | Film: Actor in a Leading Role for The Name Of The Rose (1988)
WINNER | Best supporting actor for The Untouchables (1988)
Suggested viewing |
The Hill (1965)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.9
During World War II, a group of British soldiers are sent to a military prison known as “The Hill.” They face brutal treatment from their own superiors while struggling to survive the harsh conditions. As tensions rise and friendships are tested, they must find strength to endure and escape their oppressive environment.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen, Alfred Lynch, Ossie Davis, Roy Kinnear, Jack Watson.
Goldfinger (1964)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7
James Bond is assigned to investigate a wealthy and cunning gold smuggler Auric Goldfinger. Uncovering his audacious plan to contaminate Fort Knox’s gold reserves, Bond races against time to thwart the villain’s scheme while encountering deadly henchmen and attractive allies along the way.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Honor Blackman, Gert Fröbe, Shirley Eaton, Tania Mallet, Harold Sakata, Bernard Lee.
Robin and Marian (1976)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.5
After years apart, Robin Hood and Maid Marian reunite in Sherwood Forest. However, their love is tested as they find themselves caught between loyalty to King Richard and a new threat from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Together, they must fight for justice and protect their forbidden love.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Robert Shaw, Richard Harris, Nicol Williamson, Denholm Elliott, Ian Holm, Kenneth Haigh.
Dr. No (1962)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
British spy, James Bond, is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow agent. He discovers Dr. No, a diabolical villain with plans for world domination. Bond must stop him and rescue the captured agent while facing dangerous obstacles and seductive enemies along the way.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Jack Lord, Bernard Lee, Anthony Dawson, Zena Marshall, John Kitzmiller.
Thunderball (1965)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9
In Thunderball, the iconic secret agent James Bond is assigned a perilous mission to recover stolen nuclear warheads before catastrophe strikes. As he dives into a world of treachery and danger, Bond must outsmart his adversaries and confront his own vulnerabilities. With thrilling action sequences, heart-stopping moments and the trademark charm of 007, Thunderball takes viewers on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense and intrigue.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi, Rik Van Nutter, Guy Doleman, Molly Peters and Martine Beswick.
From Russia with Love (1963)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 0.0
In From Russia with Love, James Bond is entangled in a web of espionage and romance. Tasked with retrieving a decoding device, he becomes the target of an alluring Russian agent who will stop at nothing to eliminate him. As he races against time, Bond must outsmart his enemies while surviving treacherous encounters and avoiding deadly traps.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Daniela Bianchi, Pedro Armendáriz, Lotte Lenya, Robert Shaw, Bernard Lee, Eunice Gayson and Walter Gotell.
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
Two disillusioned soldiers embark on a daring expedition to a remote Himalayan kingdom, hoping to exploit a local power struggle and crown themselves kings. Their plan takes an unexpected turn when one is mistaken for a deity. However, their greed and arrogance lead them down a treacherous path as they face unforeseen challenges and ultimately come face-to-face with their own mortality.
Top cast: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Saeed Jaffrey, Doghmi Larbi, Jack May, Karroom Ben Bouih.
