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 Scottish actor best known as the original James Bond in the iconic film franchise. He starred in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983, beginning with Dr. No. His portrayal of the suave secret agent defined the character for generations. Beyond Bond, Connery had a distinguished acting career spanning several decades, but his role as 007 remains his most enduring and recognizable contribution to cinema.
1951: Worked Backstage at the King's Theatre
In late 1951, Sean Connery supplemented his income by working backstage at the King's Theatre, marking an early foray into the world of theater.
1953: Landed a Part in South Pacific
In 1953, Sean Connery landed a small part as one of the Seabees chorus boys in a production of 'South Pacific', which started his acting career.
1954: Met Michael Caine and Developed Interest in Theatre
In 1954, during the production of 'South Pacific', Sean Connery met Michael Caine and developed a serious interest in theatre through Robert Henderson who introduced him to works of Ibsen, Proust, and Shakespeare, and helped him get parts at the Maida Vale Theatre in London. He also appeared as an extra in 'Lilacs in the Spring'.
December 1956: Began Filming Time Lock
In December 1956, Sean Connery commenced filming for Gerald Thomas's thriller 'Time Lock' at Beaconsfield Studios, where he played a minor role as a welder.
1956: Early Television Appearances
In 1956, Sean Connery appeared in the theatrical production of Epitaph and played a minor role in the "Ladies of the Manor" episode of the BBC Television police 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 as Mountain McLintock in BBC Television's production of 'Requiem for a Heavyweight', marking his first chance in a leading role.
1959: Leading role in Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In 1959, Sean Connery landed a leading role in Robert Stevenson's Walt Disney Productions film, 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People', marking a significant role in his early film career.
1961: Prominent Television Roles in An Age of Kings, Adventure Story, and Anna Karenina
In 1961, Sean Connery had prominent television roles in An Age of Kings, Adventure Story, and Anna Karenina for BBC Television, showcasing his talent on television and his co-starring with Claire Bloom in Anna Karenina. Also in 1961 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 debuted as James Bond in 'Dr. No', the first James Bond film produced by Eon Productions, marking the beginning of his iconic role.
1963: Starred in 'From Russia with Love'
In 1963, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in the Eon Productions film 'From Russia with Love', continuing his role as the iconic spy.
1964: Acted in Marnie
In 1964, Sean Connery appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's film 'Marnie', showcasing his acting versatility beyond the James Bond role.
1964: Starred in 'Goldfinger'
In 1964, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in the Eon Productions film 'Goldfinger', further cementing his status as the famous spy.
1964: Golf lessons before filming 'Goldfinger'
In 1964, prior to filming the James Bond film 'Goldfinger', English professional golfer Peter Alliss gave Sean Connery golf lessons for a scene where Bond plays golf.
1964: Starred in Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie
In 1964, while actively filming the Bond movies, Sean Connery also starred in Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie opposite Tippi Hedren. Connery, wanting to collaborate with Hitchcock, ensured he received a script, defying convention and asserting his desire to avoid being typecast. Connery stated he was happy with the movie with reservations.
June 1965: James Bond as a mass-cult hero
In June 1965, Time magazine observed that "James Bond has developed into the biggest mass-cult hero of the decade".
1965: Acted in The Hill
In 1965, Sean Connery appeared in the film 'The Hill', directed by Sidney Lumet, demonstrating his ability to take on diverse and challenging roles.
1965: Starred in Sidney Lumet's The Hill
In 1965, Sean Connery starred in Sidney Lumet's The Hill, using his star leverage to act in something outside of the Bond franchise. Although the film was not a commercial success, it was critically acclaimed, debuting at the Cannes Film Festival and winning Best Screenplay.
1965: Filming Thunderball shark scene
In 1965, during the filming of Thunderball, Sean Connery faced a dangerous situation during the shark scene in Emilio Largo's pool. Despite his concerns and the construction of a Plexiglas partition, a shark breached the barrier, forcing Connery to quickly exit the pool.
1966: Filming in Glasgow shipyards inspired political affiliation
In 1966, Sean Connery's experiences filming in Glasgow's shipyards influenced him to become a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
1966: Fairfield Experiment initiated
In 1966, the Fairfield Experiment, a new approach to industrial relations, was initiated at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Glasgow. Supported by George Brown, the First Secretary in Harold Wilson's cabinet, the experiment aimed to save the company from closure with a £1 million investment.
1967: Directed and presented documentary film
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: Starred in 'You Only Live Twice'
In 1967, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in the Eon Productions film 'You Only Live Twice', continuing his portrayal of the iconic spy.
1967: Connery supports Scottish independence
In 1967, Sean Connery wrote to George Leslie, the SNP candidate in the 1967 Glasgow Pollok by-election, expressing his support for a self-governing Scotland.
1971: Starred in 'Diamonds Are Forever'
In 1971, after a brief departure, Sean Connery returned to play James Bond in 'Diamonds Are Forever', marking his sixth time in the role for Eon Productions.
1973: Acted in The Offence
In 1973, Sean Connery appeared in the film 'The Offence', directed by Sidney Lumet, highlighting his range as an actor.
1974: Acted in Murder on the Orient Express
In 1974, Sean Connery appeared in 'Murder on the Orient Express', a film directed by Sidney Lumet, showcasing his participation in ensemble casts.
1974: Starred in Murder on the Orient Express and Zardoz
In 1974, Sean Connery was part of the ensemble cast in Murder on the Orient Express, and starred in John Boorman's sci-fi thriller Zardoz, where he wore a controversial scarlet mankini.
1975: Michael Caine in The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Michael Caine co-starred with Sean Connery in The Man Who Would Be King. He was among Connery's closest friends.
1976: Acted in Robin and Marian
In 1976, Sean Connery acted in the film 'Robin and Marian', adding to his diverse range of film roles.
1976: Played Robin Hood in Robin and Marian
In 1976, Sean Connery played Robin Hood in Robin and Marian, opposite Audrey Hepburn as Maid Marian. Their chemistry was praised by film critic Roger Ebert.
1977: Acted in A Bridge Too Far
In 1977, Sean Connery appeared in 'A Bridge Too Far', highlighting his participation in war films.
1981: Acted in Time Bandits
In 1981, Sean Connery acted in 'Time Bandits', expanding his filmography with a science fantasy adventure film.
1981: Appeared in Time Bandits and Outland
In 1981, Sean Connery appeared in the film Time Bandits as Agamemnon, a role that stemmed from a joke in the script. He also portrayed Marshal William T. O'Niel in the science fiction thriller Outland.
1982: Narrated G'olé! and turned down Annie role
In 1982, Sean Connery narrated G'olé!, the official film of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. That same year, he was offered the role of Daddy Warbucks in Annie but turned it down after taking voice lessons.
October 1983: Released Never Say Never Again
In October 1983, Sean Connery reprised his role as Bond in Never Say Never Again. The production was plagued with problems, leading to Connery's unhappiness with major studios and a two-year hiatus from filmmaking.
1983: Final Bond Appearance: Never Say Never Again
In 1983, Sean Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in 'Never Say Never Again', a non-Eon produced remake of 'Thunderball'.
1986: Acted in Highlander and The Name of the Rose
In 1986, Sean Connery appeared in both 'Highlander' and 'The Name of the Rose', showcasing his versatility in different genres.
1986: Won BAFTA Award for The Name of the Rose and appeared in Highlander
In 1986, Sean Connery won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role in the European production, The Name of the Rose. That same year, he appeared in a supporting role in Highlander, showcasing his ability to play older mentors to younger leads.
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 BAFTA nomination, a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1989: Acted in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, Sean Connery acted in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', further broadening his appeal to adventure film audiences.
1990: Acted in The Hunt for Red October
In 1990, Sean Connery appeared in 'The Hunt for Red October', marking his involvement in a film adaptation of a Tom Clancy novel.
1991: Cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
In 1991, Sean Connery made a brief cameo 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: Acted in Dragonheart and The Rock
In 1996, Sean Connery appeared in both 'Dragonheart' and 'The Rock', demonstrating his continuous presence in action and fantasy films.
1996: Voiced Draco in Dragonheart and starred in The Rock
In 1996, Sean Connery voiced the role of Draco the dragon in the film Dragonheart and starred in the box office hit The Rock.
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: Acted in Finding Forrester
In 2000, Sean Connery acted in 'Finding Forrester', adding a drama to his extensive filmography.
2000: Received Positive Reviews for Finding Forrester
In 2000, Sean Connery received positive reviews for his performance in Finding Forrester. He also received a Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.
2001: Funding to SNP Ceased
In 2001, Sean Connery's financial support to the Scottish National Party (SNP) ended due to the British Parliament's legislation prohibiting overseas funding of political activities in the United Kingdom.
2003: Starred in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Retired
In 2003, Sean Connery starred in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a film whose failure frustrated him and led to his retirement from acting. He found the production challenging and was unhappy with the director.
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: Recorded Voiceovers for From Russia with Love Video Game
In 2005, Sean Connery recorded voiceovers and provided his likeness for the From Russia with Love video game with recording producer Terry Manning in the Bahamas. He expressed his happiness that Electronic Arts had approached him to voice Bond.
2011: Connery's association with the Scottish National Party
In 2011, Sean Connery stated that "The Bowler and the Bunnet was just the beginning of a journey that would lead to my long association with the Scottish National Party".
2012: Voiced 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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