The working class Scotsman who defined a film legend
Although owner of a resume that includes over 60 films, Sean Connery may be best know for uttering those three iconic words, “Bond. James Bond.” Busting on to the scene in 1962 as Ian Fleming’s Agent 007, Connery defined for many the image of Britain’s deadliest spy. Appearing in seven Bond films over the course of his career, the Scottish born actor became not only a symbol of suave charm and playboy arrogance, he rose to become one of Hollywood’s greatest icons.
Born into a working class family in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1930, Connery seemed destined more for minimum wage manual labor than movie legend. However, the young Connery, after a series of menial jobs and a brief stint in the navy, took up a pastime that would eventually lead to his acting career. In 1950, Connery placed third in the Mr. Universe contest, a bodybuilding competition that has seen several well known actors over the years including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
However it was almost eight years later, that Connery landed his first big role opposite Lana Turner in Another Time, Another Place, and another four years before he would don the iconic suit of 007. Since then, Connery has graced the silver screen in numerous films including The Man Who Would Be King, The Hunt for Red October, and even a turn as Indian Jones Sr. in Steven Spielberg’s cult action series.
Over the years Connery has received numerous awards for his acting, including an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for 1988’s The Untouchables. Another 29 wins and 14 nominations for his work have given Connery the chops to enter into the realm of Hollywood’s elite. Of those awards won, seven represent lifetime achievement including the Cecil B. DeMille award presented to Connery at the 1996 Golden Globes. His personal appeal was also acknowledged when in 1989, at the age of sixty, Connery was named People magazines Sexiest Man Alive, proving that age really doesn’t matter. When told of the honor Connery replied, “Well there aren’t many sexy dead men, are there.”
With charming wit and a voice that most movie fans can discern at the drop of a hat, Sean Connery has become in his over 50 year career a renowned actor and true Hollywood icon. As director Steven Spielberg said after working with Connery, “There are seven genuine movie stars in the world today, and Sean is one of them.”
Western State Writers Spring 2009 