50 Facts About Sean Connery

Early Life and Family Background

Sean Connery's journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is truly inspiring. Let's dive into his early life and family background.

1. Thomas Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Scotland.
2. Parents: His father, Joe, was a truck driver and factory worker, while his mother, Euphamia, worked as a laundress and cleaner.
3. Modest Upbringing: Connery's family lived in a two-room flat where he slept in a bureau drawer because they couldn't afford a crib.
4. Neighborhood: The area was known for its strong smell due to the local rubber mill and breweries.
5. Nicknames: Initially called "Tommy" by friends, he later adopted the name Sean, inspired by his favorite movie hero, Shane.
6. Height: Standing at 6’2”, he earned the nickname "Big Tam" from his peers.

Education and Early Jobs

Connery's early education and various jobs shaped his character and work ethic.

7. Tollcross Elementary School: He impressed teachers with his quick mathematical aptitude.
8. Darroch Secondary School: Here, he excelled academically and developed a passion for acting.
9. Street Life: Connery played soccer and tag with friends, often running with "the wrong element," which sometimes led to trouble.
10. Younger Brother: He had a younger brother, Neil, with whom he shared many adventures, including fishing in the nearby Union Canal.
11. Early Jobs: Before acting, Connery worked as a milkman, bricklayer, and coffin polisher.
12. Bodybuilding: He was a bodybuilder and placed third in the Mr. Universe contest in 1953.
13. Football Career: Connery turned down a contract from Manchester United, believing an acting career would be longer-lasting.
14. Scottish Dancing: He attended Scottish dancing classes for 11 years, which helped develop his coordination and stage presence.

Military Service and Acting Breakthrough

Connery's military service and early acting roles set the stage for his future success.

15. Royal Navy: At 16, Connery joined the Royal Navy for seven years, getting two tattoos: "MUM AND DAD" and "SCOTLAND FOREVER."
16. Discharge: He was discharged at 19 due to a duodenal ulcer and received a navy pension of six shillings and eight pence a week.
17. First Job in Entertainment: Connery's first entertainment job was as a chorus member in the stage production of South Pacific.
18. Stage Name: He chose the stage name Sean Connery because it fit his image better than "Tommy."
19. Early Acting Career: Connery's early acting included numerous stage productions and television programs, such as a BBC staging of Requiem for a Heavyweight.
20. Breakthrough Role: His breakthrough came with Another Time, Another Place (1958), starring alongside Lana Turner.

James Bond and Iconic Roles

Connery's portrayal of James Bond catapulted him to international fame and set the standard for future actors.

21. First James Bond: Connery was the first actor to play James Bond, starring in seven Bond films.
22. Bond Films: His Bond films include Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), Diamonds are Forever (1971), and Never Say Never Again (1983).
23. Bond's Impact: Connery's portrayal set the standard for future Bonds, bringing rugged, masculine charm to the role.
24. Favorite Bond Film: His favorite Bond film was From Russia with Love.
25. Wig Usage: Connery wore a wig for all his Bond appearances, which became an integral part of his character's image.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Connery's personal life and dedication to charity work reveal his character beyond the screen.

26. First Marriage: Connery married Diane Cilento in 1962, and they had a son, Jason Connery. The couple divorced in 1973.
27. Second Marriage: He married Micheline Roquebrune in 1975, remaining with her until his death.
28. Charity Work: Connery used his £1.2 million salary from Diamonds are Forever to set up the Scottish International Education Trust.
29. Friends of Scotland: He launched the Friends of Scotland charity to raise the profile of Scotland through events like Dressed to Kilt.
30. Golf Enthusiast: Connery was a keen golfer and played on the first golf course in the Soviet Union in 1989 while filming The Russia House.

Health Issues and Awards

Despite facing health challenges, Connery's talent earned him numerous awards and recognition.

31. Health Issues: Connery underwent radiation treatment for an undisclosed throat ailment in 1993, chipped a bone in his shoulder in 2008, and was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2009.
32. Academy Award: He won an Academy Award for his role in The Untouchables (1988).
33. BAFTA Awards: Connery received two BAFTA Awards, including a BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award.
34. Golden Globes: He won three Golden Globes.
35. Lifetime Achievement: Connery received a lifetime achievement award in the US with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1999.
36. Knighthood: He was knighted in 2000.

Retirement and Legacy

Connery's retirement marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire.

37. Retirement: Connery retired from acting in 2006, with his final film appearance in Finding Forrester (2000).
38. Death: He passed away on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90, in his sleep at his home in Nassau, The Bahamas.
39. Legacy: Connery remains an icon of Scottish culture and a symbol of masculinity, with an immeasurable impact on cinema.

Interesting Facts and Filmography

Connery's life is filled with interesting anecdotes and a rich filmography.

40. First Job as a Milkman: Connery's first job was delivering milk to Fettes School, the same school James Bond attended in Ian Fleming's novels.
41. Role Rejection: He turned down the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings series and the Architect in The Matrix trilogy due to script issues.
42. Speeding Incident: Connery was once stopped for speeding by an officer named James Bond.
43. Controversies: He sparked outrage in 1987 with a comment that it was acceptable to “slap” women, which remains a contentious issue in his legacy.
44. Filmography: Connery's extensive filmography includes Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Highlander (1986), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Dragonheart (1996), The Rock (1996), and Finding Forrester (2000).

Personal Quotes and Final Thoughts

Connery's insightful quotes and final thoughts offer a glimpse into his philosophy and character.

45. Quotes: Connery was known for his insightful quotes, such as "There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man" and "Some age, others mature."
46. Golf in the Soviet Union: Connery played on the first golf course in the Soviet Union in 1989 while filming The Russia House.
47. Meeting Micheline Roquebrune: Connery met Moroccan artist Micheline Roquebrune at a golf tournament in Casablanca in 1970.
48. Divorce and Remarriage: He divorced Diane Cilento in 1973 and married Micheline Roquebrune in May 1975.
49. Retirement from Bond: Connery retired from his Bond character following the 1971 movie Diamonds are Forever, vowing never to play 007 again, but returned in an “unofficial” 1983 Bond movie.
50. The Man Who Would Be King: One of Connery's greatest performances was in The Man Who Would be King (1975) alongside Michael Caine.

Connery's Lasting Legacy

Sean Connery's journey from a humble milkman to an international film icon is nothing short of remarkable. His portrayal of James Bond set the gold standard for the character, making him a household name. Beyond Bond, Connery's roles in films like The Untouchables, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Hunt for Red October showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. His dedication to charity work, love for golf, and passion for Scottish culture added layers to his public persona. Despite controversies and health challenges, Connery remained a beloved figure in cinema. His legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers, reminding us of the power of talent, resilience, and charisma. Connery's impact on the world of film is undeniable, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.