Sean Connery
“The original James Bond, whose rugged charm set the template for the screen's great secret agent.”
In 1962, a relatively unknown Sean Connery was cast as James Bond in 'Dr. No,' instantly turning him into an international superstar and sex symbol. The role defined the screen spy and made him a global icon.
Edinburgh Tough
Born Thomas Sean Connery in working-class Edinburgh in 1930, he held a string of odd jobs and bodybuilt before turning to acting. His rugged charm slowly drew Hollywood's attention.
Becoming Bond
Cast as James Bond in 'Dr. No' in 1962, Connery defined the suave secret agent for a generation. Through 'Goldfinger' and beyond he became one of the most recognizable stars on earth.
Beyond 007
Connery shed the Bond image with acclaimed roles, winning an Oscar for 'The Untouchables' in 1987. Knighted in 2000, he remained a beloved screen legend until his death in 2020.
Career Timeline
- 1930Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
- 1962Debuts as James Bond in 'Dr. No'
- 1964Bond peaks with 'Goldfinger'
- 1971Returns as Bond in 'Diamonds Are Forever'
- 1987Wins Oscar for 'The Untouchables'
- 1989Plays Indiana Jones' father in 'The Last Crusade'
- 1996Action hit 'The Rock'
- 1999Named People's 'Sexiest Man of the Century'
- 2000Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
- 2020Dies in the Bahamas aged 90
Biggest Hits
- Before acting, he worked as a milkman, lifeguard, and coffin polisher and competed in the Mr. Universe contest.
- He was the first Scottish actor to win a major Academy Award.
The Moment You Remember
Seated at a casino table, a man introduces himself as Bond, James Bond, and Sean Connery delivers the line with such unhurried assurance that an entire franchise, and an idea of cool, is born.
Portrait: Comet Photo AG (Zürich) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons