Childhood and Education Journey of Sean Connery in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Sean Connery, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

April 1929: Micheline Roquebrune Born

On April 4, 1929, Micheline Roquebrune, who later became Sean Connery's wife, was born.

August 1930: Birth at Royal Maternity Hospital

In August 1930, Thomas Sean Connery was born at the Royal Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, and named after his paternal grandfather.

August 1930: Sean Connery's Birth

On August 1930, Sir Thomas Sean Connery was born. He would later become a renowned Scottish actor and the first to portray James Bond on film.

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.

1950: Mr. Universe Contest

In 1950, Sean Connery participated in the Mr. Universe contest, with some sources placing him third in the competition.

1951: Heavy Training with Ellington

From 1951, Sean Connery trained heavily in bodybuilding with Ellington, a former gym instructor in the British Army.

1953: Mr. Universe Contest

In 1953, Sean Connery participated in the Mr. Universe competition. Sources conflict as to whether he placed third in the Junior class or failed to place in the Tall Man classification.

1954: Met Michael Caine and developed interest in theatre

In 1954, Sean Connery met Michael Caine at a party during the production of South Pacific and developed a serious interest in the theatre, being introduced to works by Ibsen, Proust, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Bernard Shaw, Joyce, and Shakespeare.

1958: Confrontation with Johnny Stompanato

In 1958, during the filming of Another Time, Another Place, Sean Connery disarmed Lana Turner's possessive boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, who believed they were having an affair, leading to Stompanato being banned from the set and escorted back to the United States.

1962: Married Diane Cilento

In 1962, Sean Connery married Australian actress Diane Cilento.

1964: Bond's Scottish Heritage

In his 1964 novel You Only Live Twice, Ian Fleming wrote that James Bond's father was Scottish and from Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, influenced by Sean Connery's successful portrayal of the character.

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).

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: Separated from Diane Cilento

In 1971, Sean Connery and Diane Cilento separated.

1974: Divorced Diane Cilento

In 1974, Sean Connery divorced Australian actress Diane Cilento.

1975: Married Micheline Roquebrune

In 1975, Sean Connery married French-Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune, and they remained married until his death.

1979: Owned Domaine de Terre Blanche

From 1979, Sean Connery owned the Domaine de Terre Blanche in the South of France.

May 1993: Opening of PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles

In May 1993, Sean Connery, along with Jackie Stewart, assisted Jack Nicklaus in opening the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Scotland. The course was designed by Nicklaus.

1997: Paid UK taxes

Between 1997 and 1998 Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.

1998: Paid UK taxes

Between 1997 and 1998 Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.

1999: Sold Domaine de Terre Blanche

In 1999, Sean Connery sold the Domaine de Terre Blanche to German businessman Dietmar Hopp.

1999: Sale of Marbella villa and tax evasion investigation

In 1999, after Sean Connery sold his Marbella villa, Spanish authorities launched a tax evasion investigation alleging that the Spanish treasury had been defrauded of £5.5 million.

July 2000: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

On July 5, 2000, Sean Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

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.

2002: Paid UK taxes

Between 2002 and 2003 Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.

2003: Connery released tax documents

In 2003, Sean Connery released documents showing he had paid £3.7 million in UK taxes between 1997 and 1998 and between 2002 and 2003, in response to accusations that he was a tax exile.

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.

June 2007: Denied appearance in fourth Indiana Jones film

On June 7, 2007, Sean Connery denied rumors that he would appear in the fourth Indiana Jones film, stating that he was enjoying retirement too much.

2009: Taxi Conversation Recalled

In 2009, Sean Connery recalled a conversation he had in a taxi.

2011: Connery's statement about the SNP

In 2011, Sean Connery stated that his involvement with "The Bowler and the Bunnet" was the beginning of his long association with the Scottish National Party.

2014: Neil Connery's statement on Scottish independence referendum

In the run-up to the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Sean Connery's brother, Neil, stated that Connery would not come to Scotland to rally independence supporters due to his tax exile status.