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 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.

Sections (6)

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

April 1929: Micheline Roquebrune's Birth

On April 4, 1929, Micheline Roquebrune, who would later become Sean Connery's wife, was born. She is a French-Moroccan painter.

August 1930: Birth of Thomas Sean Connery

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

1946: Joined the Royal Navy

In 1946, at the age of 16, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy and acquired two tattoos reflecting his commitments to family and Scotland.

1950: Mr. Universe contest

In 1950, according to his official website, Sean Connery was third in the Mr. Universe contest. Other sources place him in the 1953 competition.

1951: Started Bodybuilding Training

In 1951, Sean Connery began training heavily in bodybuilding with Ellington, marking a significant step in his physical development.

1953: Mr. Universe contest

In 1953, Sean Connery competed in the Mr. Universe contest, where most sources place him either third in the Junior class or failing to place in the Tall Man classification.

1962: Married Diane Cilento

In 1962, Sean Connery married Australian actress Diane Cilento.

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.

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).

1967: Illustrated Cover of Cilento's Novel

In 1967, Sean Connery illustrated the cover of his wife Diane Cilento's novel, The Manipulator.

The Manipulator (SIGNED)

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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: Separated from Diane Cilento

In 1971, Sean Connery separated from his wife, Diane Cilento. During this time, he dated several other women.

1974: Divorced Diane Cilento

In 1974, Sean Connery divorced Australian actress Diane Cilento, after separating in 1971.

1975: Married Micheline Roquebrune

In 1975, Sean Connery married French-Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune, and they remained married until his death. Their marriage endured despite Connery's affair with Lynsey de Paul in the late 1980s.

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 his design of the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Scotland.

1997: Payment of UK taxes

In 1997, Sean Connery paid taxes in the UK, as part of the period between 1997 and 1998.

1998: Payment of UK taxes

In 1998, Sean Connery paid taxes in the UK, as part of the period between 1997 and 1998.

1999: Sold Domaine de Terre Blanche

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

July 2000: Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II

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

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.

2002: Payment of UK taxes

In 2002, Sean Connery paid taxes in the UK, as part of the period between 2002 and 2003.

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.

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June 2006: Confirmed Retirement from Acting

On 8 June 2006, Sean Connery confirmed his retirement from acting at the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, citing disillusionment with Hollywood. His disillusionment with the "idiots now making films in Hollywood" was cited as a reason for his decision to retire.

June 2007: Denied Rumors of Appearing in Indiana Jones Film

On 7 June 2007, Sean Connery denied rumors that he would appear in the fourth Indiana Jones film, stating that "retirement is just too much damned fun".

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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".

2014: Connery's absence from Scottish independence rally

In 2014, prior to the Scottish independence referendum, Sean Connery's brother, Neil, stated that Connery would not attend to rally supporters due to his tax exile status limiting his time in Scotland.