Sean Connery

Sean Connery
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Name	Sean Connery
Caption	Connery in 1983
Birth name	Thomas Sean Connery
Birth date	25 August 1930
Birth place	Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Death date	31 October 2020
Death place	Lyford Cay, Nassau, The Bahamas
Occupation	Actor, producer
Years active	1954–2006
Spouse	Diane Cilento (1962–1973), Micheline Roquebrune (1975–2020)
Children	Jason Connery
Awards	Academy Award, BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Award

Sean Connery. Thomas Sean Connery was a Scottish actor who became a global cultural icon, best known for being the first actor to portray the secret agent James Bond in film. His career spanned five decades, earning him an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and two BAFTA Awards. Connery's distinctive voice, commanding screen presence, and successful efforts to move beyond his most famous role solidified his status as one of the most revered actors of his generation.

Early life and career

Born in the working-class district of Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, he left school at an early age and held jobs including a Royal Navy stint and a bodybuilding competitor. His early forays into acting included a touring production of *South Pacific* and minor roles in British television series and films like BBC's *The Jack Benny Program* and the movie *No Road Back*. Connery gained significant attention for his role as Michael "Mickey" McBride in the BBC Television production of *Requiem for a Heavyweight* and his performance in the Walt Disney film *Darby O'Gill and the Little People*. His breakthrough came with a starring role opposite Lana Turner in the 1958 drama *Another Time, Another Place*.

James Bond

Connery was cast as James Bond by producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, making his debut in *Dr. No* in 1962. He defined the role in subsequent films including *From Russia with Love*, *Goldfinger*, *Thunderball*, and *You Only Live Twice*, with his portrayal characterized by a blend of charm, physicality, and ruthless efficiency. After a hiatus, he returned to the role for *Diamonds Are Forever* and, much later, for the unofficial entry *Never Say Never Again*. His interpretation of the MI6 agent, created by author Ian Fleming, set the standard for all future incarnations and propelled the film series into a global phenomenon.

Later film career

Determined to avoid typecasting, Connery pursued diverse and challenging roles after his initial Bond tenure. He earned critical acclaim for his performances in Alfred Hitchcock's *Marnie*, the World War II drama *The Hill*, and the science-fiction film *Zardoz*. His career resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s included an Academy Award for his role as Jim Malone in *The Untouchables*, and iconic performances in *The Name of the Rose*, *Highlander*, *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade* as Henry Jones Sr., and *The Hunt for Red October* as Marko Ramius. His final film role was in the 2003 adaptation of *The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen*.

Personal life

Connery was married to actress Diane Cilento from 1962 to 1973, with whom he had his son, actor Jason Connery. He later married painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975, a union that lasted until his death. A vocal advocate for Scottish independence, he was a prominent supporter of the Scottish National Party and refused a knighthood in 1997 due to political disagreements with the British government. He lived for many years in Marbella, Spain, and later in The Bahamas. His personal life was sometimes marred by controversy, including allegations of past conduct in his relationships.

Legacy and honours

Sean Connery left an indelible mark on British and world cinema, consistently being voted one of the greatest film stars. He received numerous accolades including a Kennedy Center Honor and the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. In 2000, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to film drama. His portrayal of James Bond remains definitive, influencing the spy film genre and popular culture for over half a century. His legacy endures through his extensive filmography and his status as a quintessential leading man.

Category:Sean Connery Category:1930 births Category:2020 deaths Category:Academy Award winners