Career Timeline of Sean Connery: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sean Connery made an impact.
Sir Sean Connery was a highly successful Scottish actor, best known as the first cinematic James Bond. He starred in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983, beginning with Dr. No and solidifying the character's suave and charismatic image. His portrayal defined Bond for many and established a successful, decades-long acting career beyond the iconic role. His final appearance as 007 was in Never Say Never Again.
1946: Joined the Royal Navy
In 1946, at the age of 16, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy and acquired two tattoos reflecting his commitment to family and Scotland.
1951: Backstage Work at King's Theatre
In late 1951, Sean Connery supplemented his income by working backstage at the King's Theatre.
1953: Audition for South Pacific
In 1953, during a bodybuilding competition in London, Sean Connery heard about auditions for South Pacific and landed a small part as one of the Seabees chorus boys.
December 1956: Filming Commenced for Time Lock
On December 1956, filming commenced for the thriller Time Lock, in which Sean Connery had a minor role as a welder.
1956: Early Television Roles
In 1956, Sean Connery appeared in the theatrical production of Epitaph and played a minor role in the BBC Television series Dixon of Dock Green, followed by small television parts in Sailor of Fortune and The Jack Benny Program.
April 1957: Leading Role in Requiem for a Heavyweight
In April 1957, Sean Connery was cast by Alvin Rakoff in his first leading role as Mountain McLintock in BBC Television's production of Requiem for a Heavyweight.
1959: Leading Role in Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In 1959, Sean Connery landed a leading role in Disney's Darby O'Gill and the Little People, a tale about an Irishman and leprechauns.
1961: BBC and CBC Television Roles
In 1961, Sean Connery had prominent television roles in Rudolph Cartier's productions of Adventure Story and Anna Karenina for BBC Television, and he portrayed the title role in a CBC television film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth.
1962: First James Bond Film: Dr. No
In 1962, Sean Connery originated the role of James Bond in Dr. No, marking the beginning of his portrayal of the iconic British secret agent in motion pictures.
1962: Breakthrough Role as James Bond in Dr. No
In 1962, Sean Connery's breakthrough came with the role of James Bond in Dr. No, despite his initial reluctance to commit to a film series.
1963: From Russia with Love
In 1963, Sean Connery continued his role as James Bond in the Eon Productions film From Russia with Love.
1964: Starred in Marnie
In 1964, Sean Connery appeared in Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, showcasing his versatility as an actor beyond the James Bond franchise.
1964: Filming of Goldfinger
In 1964, Sean Connery filmed the James Bond movie Goldfinger, in which he played a golf scene against Auric Goldfinger at Stoke Park Golf Club. Before filming, Peter Alliss gave Connery golf lessons, and during the scene, Connery wore a Slazenger v-neck sweater.
1964: Goldfinger Film Release
In 1964, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in Goldfinger, another installment in the Eon Productions film series.
June 1965: Time magazine observation on James Bond
In June 1965, Time magazine observed that "James Bond has developed into the biggest mass-cult hero of the decade".
1965: Starred in The Hill
In 1965, Sean Connery acted in The Hill, directed by Sidney Lumet, further establishing his presence in critically acclaimed films.
1965: Thunderball Film Release
In 1965, Sean Connery continued his role as James Bond in the Eon Productions film Thunderball.
1965: Filming Thunderball shark scene
In 1965, during the filming of Thunderball, Sean Connery's life was endangered during the shark scene in Emilio Largo's pool. Despite his insistence on a Plexiglas partition, a shark breached it, forcing Connery to evacuate the pool immediately.
1966: Filming in Glasgow's shipyards
In 1966, Sean Connery's experiences filming in Glasgow's shipyards inspired him to join the Scottish National Party (SNP).
1966: Fairfield Experiment initiated
In 1966, the Fairfield Experiment, which was later featured in Connery's documentary, was initiated at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company. The experiment aimed to find new ways of industrial management.
1967: Continued Role as James Bond
Between 1962 and 1967, Sean Connery played James Bond in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice.
1967: Directed The Bowler and the Bunnet
In 1967, Sean Connery directed and presented the documentary film The Bowler and the Bunnet, which described the Fairfield Experiment at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Glasgow.
1967: Illustrated the cover of The Manipulator
In 1967, Sean Connery illustrated the cover of his then-wife Diane Cilento's novel, The Manipulator.
1967: You Only Live Twice Film Release
In 1967, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in You Only Live Twice, another installment in the Eon Productions film series.
1967: Connery's letter to George Leslie
In 1967, Sean Connery wrote to George Leslie, the SNP candidate in the Glasgow Pollok by-election, expressing his belief in Scotland's ability to become a prosperous and self-governing nation.
1971: Diamonds Are Forever Film Release
In 1971, after a brief departure, Sean Connery returned to play James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever.
1971: Return as James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever
In 1971, after departing from the role, Sean Connery returned to play James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever.
1973: Starred in The Offence
In 1973, Sean Connery appeared in The Offence, directed by Sidney Lumet, showcasing his range in intense dramatic roles.
1974: Starred in Murder on the Orient Express
In 1974, Sean Connery acted in Murder on the Orient Express, contributing to a star-studded ensemble cast in this classic mystery film.
1975: Starred in The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Sean Connery appeared in John Huston's The Man Who Would Be King opposite Michael Caine, playing British soldiers who become kings in Kafiristan. Both actors considered it their favorite film.
1976: Starred in Robin and Marian
In 1976, Sean Connery acted in Robin and Marian, showcasing his versatility in historical adventure films.
1977: Starred in A Bridge Too Far
In 1977, Sean Connery appeared in A Bridge Too Far, contributing to an epic war film with an all-star cast.
1981: Starred in Time Bandits
In 1981, Sean Connery acted in Time Bandits, demonstrating his ability to adapt to fantasy and adventure genres.
1982: Narrated G'olé!
In 1982, Sean Connery narrated G'olé!, the official film of the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
October 1983: Released Never Say Never Again
In October 1983, Sean Connery reprised his role as James Bond in Never Say Never Again. The production faced numerous issues, leading to Connery's dissatisfaction with major studios.
1983: Final Appearance as Bond in Never Say Never Again
In 1983, Sean Connery made his final appearance as Bond in Never Say Never Again, a remake of Thunderball.
1983: Final James Bond Appearance
In 1983, Sean Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in Never Say Never Again, a non-Eon-produced film, concluding his run in the iconic role.
1986: Starred in The Name of the Rose
In 1986, Sean Connery acted in The Name of the Rose, receiving the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role.
1986: Starred in Highlander and The Name of the Rose
In 1986, Sean Connery showcased his acting versatility, starring in both Highlander and The Name of the Rose.
1986: Won BAFTA for The Name of the Rose and acted in Highlander
In 1986, Sean Connery won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Name of the Rose. In the same year, he played a supporting role in Highlander, establishing a recurring role of playing older mentors.
1987: Starred in The Untouchables
In 1987, Sean Connery starred in Brian De Palma's The Untouchables, playing an Irish-American cop. His performance received critical acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1989: Starred in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, Sean Connery appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, adding another iconic film to his extensive repertoire.
1990: Starred in The Hunt for Red October
In 1990, Sean Connery acted in The Hunt for Red October, displaying his talent in suspenseful thriller roles.
1990: Starred in The Hunt for Red October and The Russia House
In 1990, Sean Connery starred in The Hunt for Red October and The Russia House, adding to his list of box-office hits.
1991: Cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
In 1991, Sean Connery made a brief cameo appearance as King Richard the Lionheart at the end of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
1995: Starred in First Knight and Just Cause
In 1995, Sean Connery starred in First Knight and Just Cause, both of which were box-office and critical disappointments.
1996: Starred in Dragonheart and The Rock
In 1996, Sean Connery continued his film career, starring in both Dragonheart and The Rock.
1996: Starred in The Rock and voiced Draco in Dragonheart
In 1996, Sean Connery starred in The Rock and voiced the role of Draco the dragon in the film Dragonheart.
1998: Starred in The Avengers
In 1998, Sean Connery starred in The Avengers, which was a box-office and critical disappointment.
1999: Starred in Entrapment
In 1999, Sean Connery starred in the box-office hit Entrapment.
2000: Starred in Finding Forrester
In 2000, Sean Connery appeared in Finding Forrester, taking on a role that allowed him to showcase his acting skills in a character-driven narrative.
2000: Received positive reviews for Finding Forrester
In 2000, Sean Connery received positive reviews for his performance in Finding Forrester, and he also received a Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.
2001: End of funding for SNP
In 2001, Sean Connery's funding of the SNP ceased due to legislation passed by the British Parliament prohibiting overseas funding of political activities in the United Kingdom.
2003: Starred in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
In 2003, Sean Connery starred in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a film that proved to be a major disappointment and led to his retirement from acting due to the stressful production.
2003: Final On-Screen Role in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
In 2003, Sean Connery's final on-screen role was as Allan Quatermain in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, marking the end of his acting career.
2005: Voiced James Bond in From Russia with Love video game
In 2005, Sean Connery recorded voiceovers for the From Russia with Love video game, expressing his satisfaction with being approached by Electronic Arts for the role.
June 2006: Confirmed retirement from acting at AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony
On June 8, 2006, Sean Connery confirmed his retirement from acting while receiving the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, citing disillusionment with Hollywood as a reason.
2012: Voiced the title character in Sir Billi
In 2012, Sean Connery briefly came out of retirement to voice the title character in the Scottish animated film Sir Billi and served as executive producer for an expanded version.
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