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 celebrated Scottish actor, best known as the original James Bond in seven films between 1962 and 1983. He originated the suave and sophisticated portrayal of the British secret agent in *Dr. No* (1962) and continued in films like *From Russia with Love*, *Goldfinger*, *Thunderball*, *You Only Live Twice*, and *Diamonds Are Forever*. He concluded his Bond journey with *Never Say Never Again* (1983).

Sections (6)

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

April 1929: Micheline Roquebrune Born

Micheline Roquebrune, who would later marry Sean Connery, was born in April 1929.

August 1930: Sean Connery's Birth in Edinburgh

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

August 1930: Sean Connery's Birth

On August 1930, Sir Thomas Sean Connery was born. He later became known for his acting career, especially as James Bond.

1946: Joining the Royal Navy at 16

In 1946, at the age of 16, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy, acquiring two tattoos reflecting his commitments to family and Scotland, one reading 'Mum and Dad' and the other 'Scotland Forever'.

1950: Mr. Universe contest

In 1950 Sean Connery participated in Mr. Universe contest.

1951: Training Heavily in Bodybuilding

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 Mr. Universe contest, placing third in the Junior class or failing to place in the Tall Man classification.

1962: Marriage to Diane Cilento

In 1962, Sean Connery married Australian actress Diane Cilento, beginning a relationship that would last until their separation in 1971 and divorce in 1974.

1965: Near-Death Experience during Thunderball Filming

In 1965, during the filming of Thunderball, Sean Connery faced a dangerous situation in a scene involving sharks in Emilio Largo's pool. Despite his concerns and the use of a Plexiglas partition, one of the sharks breached the barrier, forcing Connery to evacuate the pool immediately.

1966: Filming in Glasgow inspires SNP membership

In 1966, Sean Connery's experiences filming in Glasgow's shipyards inspired him to join the Scottish National Party (SNP).

1967: Connery supports SNP candidate

In 1967, Sean Connery wrote to George Leslie, the SNP candidate in the Glasgow Pollok by-election, expressing his belief in a prosperous, vigorous, and modern self-governing Scotland.

1971: Separation from Diane Cilento

In 1971, Sean Connery and Diane Cilento separated, marking the end of their marriage, which officially ended in divorce in 1974.

1974: Divorce from Diane Cilento

In 1974, Sean Connery and Diane Cilento officially divorced, concluding their marriage that began in 1962 and their separation in 1971.

1975: Marriage to Micheline Roquebrune

In 1975, Sean Connery married French-Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune, beginning a long-lasting relationship that endured until his death, despite a well-documented affair he had in the late 1980s.

1979: Connery Purchases Domaine de Terre Blanche

In 1979, Sean Connery acquired the Domaine de Terre Blanche in the South of France, marking his investment in real estate and a luxurious lifestyle.

May 1993: Opening of PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles

In May 1993, Sean Connery and Jackie Stewart assisted Jack Nicklaus in opening the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Scotland.

1999: Sale of Domaine de Terre Blanche

In 1999, Sean Connery sold the Domaine de Terre Blanche to German billionaire Dietmar Hopp, concluding his ownership of the property.

July 2000: Knighthood at Holyrood Palace

On 5 July 2000, Sean Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at an investiture ceremony held at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, marking a significant honor in his life.

2001: Funding of SNP ceased

In 2001, Sean Connery's financial support for the SNP ended due to legislation prohibiting overseas funding of political activities in the United Kingdom.

2003: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Retirement

In 2003, Sean Connery starred in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which was a significant disappointment. Frustrated with the production, Connery chose to retire from acting rather than face similar stressful experiences again. He was also ranked eighth on Channel 4's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Stars in the UK.

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June 2006: Connery Confirms Retirement at AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony

In June 2006, at the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, Sean Connery officially confirmed his retirement from acting, citing disillusionment with the state of filmmaking in Hollywood as a primary reason.

June 2007: Connery Denies Indiana Jones Rumors

In June 2007, Sean Connery refuted rumors of his involvement in the fourth Indiana Jones film, reaffirming his decision to enjoy retirement.

2009: Recalling a Conversation in a Taxi

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

2011: Connery Discusses Association with SNP

In 2011, Sean Connery said that filming "The Bowler and the Bunnet" in 1966 was just the beginning of a journey that would lead to his long association with the Scottish National Party.

2014: Brother Neil comments on Independence Referendum

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