Sean Connery

NAME Thomas Sean Connery

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Sean Connery is best known for his role as James Bond, originating the suave British secret agent on screen in Dr. No (1962) and solidifying the Bond character's legacy across seven films in the franchise. His career spanned six decades, making him a celebrated figure in cinema history.

BIRTH Connery was born on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Raised in a working-class family, Connery's father was a lorry driver, and his mother was a cleaning lady. He grew up in poverty, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of resilience. The family lived in an overcrowded tenement flat, and as a young child, Connery's cot was reportedly the bottom drawer of a cupboard.

CHILDHOOD Connery began working at an early age to support his family, taking on a milk delivery job around Edinburgh. One of his delivery stops was Fettes School, where, according to Bond creator Ian Fleming, Bond himself would later be "sent" following expulsion from Eton.

EDUCATION Connery's formal education was limited. He attended Tollcross elementary school, where he showed a remarkable aptitude for mathematics. At the age of 13, Connery left school to work full-time at a local dairy. Despite his short time in school, he developed a love for reading, particularly comic books

CAREER RECORD After leaving school, Connery took on various jobs to support himself and his family. These included working as a milkman for St. Cuthbert's Co-operative Society and, later, joining the Royal Navy at the age of 16. However, he was discharged three years later due to health issues.

Following his naval service, Connery worked a series of odd jobs, including lorry driver, lifeguard, laborer, artist's model, coffin polisher, bricklayer, and cement mixer.

At the age of 18, he began bodybuilding.

Connery transitioned to acting in the 1950s.

He gained international fame for his portrayal of James Bond in seven films.

Connery continued to have a successful acting career, starring in films such as The Untouchables, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Rock.

APPEARANCE Sean Connery was a striking figure, standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds (82 kg) during his prime. His tall, muscular build and ruggedly handsome features made him a captivating presence on screen.

As he aged, his distinctive features became even more pronounced. His eyebrows grew bushier, especially noticeable from the film Thunderball onwards. His dark hair, initially slicked back in his early Bond films like Dr. No and From Russia with Love, later transitioned to a side-parted style. To compensate for thinning hair, Connery wore wigs, particularly in later films, but embraced baldness in his private life.

This image of Sean Connery is from the collection of the ETH-Bibliothek 

FASHION Connery was renowned for his suave style, particularly his ability to effortlessly wear tailored suits. His tuxedo appearances, especially as James Bond, became iconic. In more casual settings, he favored a relaxed look, often seen in striped short-sleeved shirts, linen trousers, or even a pink dressing gown. Later in life, he occasionally incorporated elements of Scottish dress, such as tartan, into his red carpet attire.

CHARACTER Strong-willed, determined, and charismatic, Connery was known for his intense and commanding screen presence and his straightforward, no-nonsense personality. His early encounters with Edinburgh’s Valdor gang showcased his physical courage; he once fought off six gang members singlehandedly, earning their respect.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Connery possessed a dry, Scottish wit and wasn’t afraid to laugh at himself. He found humor in his life’s ironies, once saying about his experience in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, "I made it… despite not understanding the script."

RELATIONSHIPS Connery was married twice. His first marriage was to Australian actress Diane Cilento who he wed on December 6, 1962. They divorced in 1973, after eleven years of marriage. Together, they had one son, Jason Connery, born in 1963. Years later, Cilento made allegations of abuse against Connery, which he vehemently denied.

Connery's first wife Diane Cilento in 1954

In 1970, Connery met Micheline Roquebrune, a Moroccan-French painter, at a golf tournament in Morocco. They married on May 6, 1975 and remained together until Connery's death in 2020. 

Their relationship was marked by a strong connection, despite language barriers. Connery often referred to Micheline as "an amazing woman" and "the love of my life." 

Micheline was a constant support for Connery, especially during his battle with dementia in his final years. She described him as a "gorgeous model of a man" after his passing.

MONEY AND FAME Despite his modest beginnings, Connery amassed significant wealth. He reportedly turned down a $400 million deal for the Gandalf role in Lord of the Rings because he didn’t understand it.

Connery was known for his shrewd business acumen and investments.

FOOD AND DRINK Connery was a fan of Scottish cuisine, often indulging in traditional dishes and fine Scotch whisky.

Connery was a connoisseur of fine wine, particularly enjoying red varieties. He was especially fond of Chilean Merlots, appreciating their value. His cellar also housed a selection of California wines, including some expensive vintages. During his time in Spain around 1975, he developed a taste for Vega Sicilia.

His passion for wine was further fueled by his annual trips to France with his friend David Murray. These visits allowed him to explore Murray's wine estates and sample a wide range of wines. Connery admired the French wine culture, noting the importance it held for everyone involved.

He was quick to point out that James Bond's wine expertise was a fictional creation developed by director Terence Young, rather than a reflection of his own knowledge at the time of filming.

MUSIC AND ARTS Sean Connery was a force of nature, a cinematic titan who roared onto the screen and redefined the spy genre. As the first man to play James Bond, he wasn’t just filling a role; he was carving it out of solid granite. With his brooding good looks, Scottish brogue, and that certain je ne sais quoi, he turned 007 into an icon. From the sleek sophistication of Dr. No to the outlandish adventure of You Only Live Twice, Connery owned the part.

But Connery wasn’t just a one-trick pony. He could do it all. He could be a brooding, tragic figure in The Hill, a cunning villain in Murder on the Orient Express, or a wise, world-weary mentor in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He was equally at home in highbrow dramas and popcorn blockbusters.

And let’s not forget his voice. That deep, gravelly rumble could turn a simple line of dialogue into a cinematic event. It was a voice that could soothe or intimidate, depending on the mood.

Connery was a true original, a man who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. He was more than just an actor; he was a legend.

Connery had a lifelong interest in the arts, including music and painting, and his second wife, Micheline, is a painter.

LITERATURE Though he admitted to not fully understanding the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Connery held a love for literature, especially classic Scottish works. 

Later in life, concerned about his lack of education, Connery began reading classic literature, including works by Proust, Tolstoy, and Joyce

NATURE Connery maintained a deep connection to his Scottish heritage and countryside, which he celebrated in his tattoos reading “Scotland Forever” and “Mum and Dad.”

PETS Connery’s love for animals was expressed through various charitable efforts.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS In his youth, Connery was an avid bodybuilder and competed in the 1953 Mr. Universe competition. 

Before Hollywood came calling, he played football for Bonnyrigg Rose, a Scottish team. In fact, Manchester United's legendary manager, Matt Busby, offered him a contract, but Connery had other plans.

Golf became a lifelong passion, ignited by his role in Goldfinger. He took lessons, got hooked, and spent countless hours on the greens. Vancouver was a favorite golfing spot for him, with courses like Capilano, Furry Creek, Point Grey, and Shaughnessy seeing their fair share of his drives.

Tennis was another sport Connery followed closely. He was a regular at the U.S. Open, seen courtside in 2015 and 2017. 

Connery narrated the 1982 World Cup film.

Connery's dedication to fitness was evident throughout his life, which is perhaps why People magazine named him "sexiest man alive" in 1989, at the ripe old age of 59.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Connery's roles in spy films occasionally involved high-tech gadgets and scientific plotlines.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Connery valued loyalty and integrity and had strong personal convictions, shaped by his Scottish working-class roots and life experiences.

Connery was raised Catholic and took on roles that sometimes touched on religious themes, he did not publicly espouse a specific philosophical or theological stance. 

POLITICS Connery was a vocal advocate for Scottish independence and financially supported the Scottish National Party, reflecting his deep pride in his heritage.

SCANDAL Connery made controversial comments about slapping women, which were made in interviews in 1965 and 1987.

There were allegations of abuse from his first wife, Diane Cilento, which she wrote about in her 2006 

MILITARY RECORD Connery joined the Merchant Navy at 16 but had to leave due to stomach ulcers. He carried two tattoos from his time in the Navy, honoring Scotland and his parents.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Known for his fitness, Connery's muscular physique helped define the Bond character. In his later years, he suffered from dementia and ultimately passed away peacefully.

HOMES In his early years, he lived in Scotland, a place he always held dear. As his fame grew, he began spending time in the French Riviera, owning Villa Le Roc Fleuri on the Cap de Nice. This luxurious villa was his home for about 12 years during the 1970s and 1980s.

In the early 1980s, Connery relocated to Marbella, Spain, where he owned a stunning villa near the ocean. He enjoyed the Mediterranean lifestyle and the world-class golf courses in the area.

Eventually, Connery and his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, settled in the Bahamas full-time in the 1990s. They made their home in the exclusive Lyford Cay neighborhood on New Providence Island, where they remained until his passing in 2020.

Connery owned homes around the world, including a property in the Bahamas where he spent his final years.

TRAVEL Connery’s work took him worldwide, and he frequently traveled for film roles. He chose the Bahamas as his retirement sanctuary.

DEATH Connery passed away in his sleep on October 31, 2020, in Nassau, Bahamas. He had been struggling with dementia in his final years.

Connery's ashes were divided and scattered in two significant locations. A portion was scattered at sea near the Bahamas, where he spent his final years and passed away. The other portion was scattered in his native Scotland, fulfilling his final wish.

His widow, Micheline Roquebrune, expressed her intention to bring Connery back to Scotland, stating, "We are going to bring Sean back to Scotland. That was his final wish." The plan was to scatter his ashes near Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, where he was born. A memorial service was also planned for Scotland, to be held once coronavirus travel restrictions eased.

The scattering of ashes in Scotland reportedly took place in 2022, at various locations that Connery cherished.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Sean Connery’s portrayal of Bond influenced countless films and media portrayals of spies. He also inspired a unique media legacy, such as being pulled over by a British traffic officer named “Sergeant James Bond” and narrowly missing roles in The Silence of the Lambs and Skyfall.

ACHIEVEMENTS Connery won an Academy Award for The Untouchables (1987), along with two BAFTAs and three Golden Globes. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 and remains an icon in both Hollywood and his native Scotland.