Sean Connery, a towering figure in the world of cinema, is celebrated for his suave portrayal of James Bond and much more. Born in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 25, 1930, Connery emerged from humble beginnings—his mother Euphemia was a cleaner, and his father Joseph worked as a factory hand and truck driver. Sean grew up with his brother Neil, who would also find a place in the spotlight. Through Connery's journey from the streets of Fountainbridge to the glitz of Hollywood, he left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Early Life and Career
Connery's early life was a tapestry of various jobs, from milk delivery to coffin polishing, painting a picture of a man of diverse talents and resilience. His education and artistic inclinations were fostered at the Edinburgh College of Art, and he even served in the Royal Navy for a time. The year 1954 saw Connery's first professional acting role, a part that launched him onto a path of stardom.
He struck gold with the character of James Bond in 1962's "Dr. No," a role he would reprise in subsequent iconic films. This portrayal brought him international fame and set the standard for all action heroes to follow. Beyond Bond, Connery's career was studded with critical acclaim, notably his Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 for his role as an Irish policeman in The Untouchables.
Connery's personal life, while sometimes scrutinized, included a marriage to actress Diane Cilento, with whom he had his son Jason. He found enduring love with Micheline Roquebrune, whom he married in 1975. His off-screen life also featured a love of golf.
Summing up Sean Connery's storied career, one can see how his blend of charisma, talent, and complexity made him a Hollywood pillar and a cinematic icon. His roles have captivated audiences for decades, and his influence resonates throughout the industry, ensuring his legacy as one of its most distinguished figures.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Sir Billi | Sir Billi (voice, as Sir Sean Connery) |
| 2007 | Modern Greeks: C.P. Cavafy (TV Movie) | Narrator - reciting 'Ithaka' (voice) |
| 2005 | From Russia with Love (Video Game) | James Bond (voice, as Sir Sean Connery) |
| 2003 | Freedom: A History of US (TV Series) | John Muir |
| 2003 | The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen | Allan Quatermain |
| 2000 | Finding Forrester | Forrester |
| 1999 | Entrapment | Mac |
| 1998 | Playing by Heart | Paul |
| 1998 | The Avengers | Sir August de Wynter |
| 1996 | The Rock | John Patrick Mason |
| 1996 | DragonHeart | Draco (voice) |
| 1995 | First Knight | King Arthur |
| 1995 | Just Cause | Paul Armstrong |
| 1994 | A Good Man in Africa | Dr. Murray |
| 1993 | Rising Sun | Capt. John Connor |
| 1992 | Medicine Man | Dr. Robert Campbell |
| 1991 | Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves | King Richard (uncredited) |
| 1991 | Highlander II: The Quickening | Ramírez |
| 1990 | The Russia House | Barley |
| 1990 | The Hunt for Red October | Marko Ramius |
| 1989 | Family Business | Jessie |
| 1989 | Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade | Professor Henry Jones |
| 1988 | Memories of Me | Sean Connery as Lt. Col. Alan Caldwell (uncredited) |
| 1988 | The Presidio | Lt. Col. Alan Caldwell |
| 1987 | The Untouchables | Jim Malone |
| 1986 | The Name of the Rose | William of Baskerville |
| 1986 | Highlander | Ramirez |
| 1984 | Sword of the Valiant | The Green Knight |
| 1983 | Never Say Never Again | James Bond |
| 1982 | Five Days One Summer | Douglas Meredith |
| 1982 | Wrong Is Right | Patrick Hale |
| 1981 | Time Bandits | King Agamemnon | Fireman |
| 1981 | Outland | Marshal William T. O'Niel |
| 1979 | Cuba | Maj. Robert Dapes |
| 1979 | Meteor | Paul Bradley |
| 1978 | The Great Train Robbery | Pierce |
| 1977 | A Bridge Too Far | Maj. Gen. Urquhart |
| 1976 | Circasia (Short) | Clown |
| 1976 | The Next Man | Khalil Abdul-Muhsen |
| 1976 | Robin and Marian | Robin Hood |
| 1975 | The Man Who Would Be King | Daniel Dravot |
| 1975 | The Wind and the Lion | Raisuli |
| 1974 | The Terrorists | Tahlvik |
| 1974 | Murder on the Orient Express | Col. Arbuthnot |
| 1974 | Zardoz | Zed |
| 1973 | Kallelsen (Short) | (voice) |
| 1973 | The Offence | Johnson |
| 1971 | Diamonds Are Forever | James Bond |
| 1971 | The Anderson Tapes | Robert 'Duke' Anderson |
| 1970 | The Molly Maguires | Jack Kehoe |
| 1969 | The Red Tent | Roald Amundsen |
| 1969 | ITV Saturday Night Theatre (TV Series) | MacNeil |
| 1969 | Male of the Species (TV Movie) | MacNeil |
| 1968 | Shalako | Shalako |
| 1967 | You Only Live Twice | James Bond |
| 1966 | A Fine Madness | Samson Shillitoe |
| 1966 | A New World | Sean Connery (uncredited) |
| 1965 | Thunderball | James Bond |
| 1965 | The Hill | Joe Roberts |
| 1964 | Goldfinger | James Bond |
| 1964 | Marnie | Mark Rutland |
| 1964 | Woman of Straw | Anthony Richmond |
| 1963 | From Russia with Love | James Bond |
| 1962 | Dr. No | James Bond |
| 1962 | The Longest Day | Pvt. Flanagan |
| 1961 | Anna Karenina (TV Movie) | Count Alexis Vronsky |
| 1961 | On the Fiddle | Pedlar Pascoe |
| 1961 | The Frightened City | Paddy Damion |
| 1961 | Adventure Story (TV Movie) | Alexander, King of Macedon |
| 1961 | Macbeth (TV Movie) | Macbeth |
| 1956–1960 | ITV Play of the Week (TV Series) | Connolly | John Proctor | Rick Martell ... |
| 1960 | Without the Grail (TV Movie) | Innes Corrie |
| 1960 | An Age of Kings (TV Mini Series) | Hotspur | Harry Percy |
| 1960 | Riders to the Sea (TV Movie) | Bartley |
| 1960 | BBC Sunday-Night Play (TV Series) | Julien |
| 1959 | Darby O'Gill and the Little People | Michael McBride |
| 1959 | Tarzan's Greatest Adventure | O'Bannion |
| 1959 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Michael MacBride |
| 1958 | Armchair Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | Women in Love (TV Movie) | Johnnie in 'The Return' |
| 1958 | Another Time, Another Place | Mark Trevor |
| 1957 | ITV Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Mat Burke |
| 1957 | Time Lock | Welder #1 |
| 1957 | Action of the Tiger | Mike |
| 1957 | Hell Drivers | Johnny Kates |
| 1957 | BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) | Mountain McClintock |
| 1957 | Blood Money (TV Movie) | Harlan 'Mountain' McClintock |
| 1957 | No Road Back | Spike |
| 1957 | The Jack Benny Program (TV Series) | Porter |
| 1956 | Sailor of Fortune (TV Series) | Achmed |
| 1956 | The Condemned (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Dixon of Dock Green (TV Series) | Joe Brasted |
| 1954 | Simon (Short) | Policeman |
| 1954 | Let's Make Up | Extra in crowd scene (uncredited) |