Connery, Sean Connery
Bond, James Bond. With those three words, Sean Connery became a legend in film and pop culture!
The Scottish actor behind the iconic character finally passed away today at the age of 90, according to numerous sources.
Connery’s role as the original James Bond resulted in all sorts of recognition and a long career that spanned nearly six decades. He was even awarded a knighthood in 2000 for his contributions to the big screen.
Connery’s first foray as the iconic British spy occurred in 1962’s Dr. No, and he then went on to appear in a total of seven of the films in the franchise.
His other Bond appearances included the beloved From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, and then he was brought back for the later Never Say Never Again.
Of course, Connery had other significant roles throughout his career, including Hitchcock’s Marnie, Murder on the Orient Express, Time Bandits, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Untouchables, The Hunt for Red October, Finding Forrester, and many more.
Connery received an Academy Award for the best supporting actor for his role in The Untouchables.
Producers of the Bond series Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli both stated they were “devastated” by Connery’s passing on official social media account’s for the franchise.
The two producers stated Connery’s legacy best by saying, “He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words “The name’s Bond… James Bond” — he revolutionized the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent.”
Born Thomas Sean Connery in 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the famed Scot left school at just the age of 13 during the second World War. He eventually enrolled in the British Royal Navy and served there for three years.
Eventually, he became involved in bodybuilding and started acting in 1953. Connery continued to act in smaller roles until landing the iconic James Bond role in 1962’s Dr. No. To this day, he is still considered both a fan and critical favorite for his portrayal of the character.
Outside of his prolific acting career, Connery became an important figure to the country of Scotland. He was met with kind words from many of his countrymen following his passing, including recognition from the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Sturgeon noted he was one of the world’s most accomplished actors and one of the nation’s best-loved sons. Sturgeon also went on to point out Connery’s role in advocating for an independent Scotland during his lifetime.
“He was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude,” she said.
On a more personal note, Connery had been married for 45 years and had a son. Of course, this image contrasted the Playboy aura of the beloved character he played.
The role did define his career and also led to some problems with him being typecasted, much like many other influential actors known for one iconic character.
His legacy will live on, especially during those many long James Bond marathons on TV. Somewhere in heaven, Connery is asking for his first drink to be shaken, not stirred, indeed.
