History of Sean Connery in Timeline
Sir Sean Connery was a Scottish actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond. He was the first actor to bring the iconic British secret agent to the big screen, starring in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983. His Bond debut was in "Dr. No" (1962), and he reprised the role in Eon Productions' sequels, including "From Russia with Love," "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," "You Only Live Twice," and "Diamonds Are Forever." Connery's final Bond appearance was in the non-Eon film "Never Say Never Again" (1983).
April 1929: Micheline Roquebrune is Born
Micheline Roquebrune, Sean Connery's future wife, was born in April 1929.
August 1930: Birth of Sean Connery
Thomas Sean Connery was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 1930.
1946: Joined the Royal Navy
At the age of 16, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy in 1946.
1950: Possibly Placed Third in Mr. Universe Contest
While his official website mentions a third-place finish in the 1950 Mr. Universe contest, other sources contradict this information.
1951: Started Bodybuilding Training
Sean Connery started training heavily with Ellington, a former British Army gym instructor, in 1951.
1951: Worked Backstage at the King's Theatre
Sean Connery started working backstage at the King's Theatre to supplement his income in late 1951.
1953: Landed a Role in "South Pacific"
During a bodybuilding competition in London in 1953, Sean Connery heard about auditions for "South Pacific" and landed a small part in the production.
1953: Participated in Mr. Universe Contest
Sean Connery participated in the 1953 Mr. Universe contest, although his exact placement is disputed.
1954: Met Michael Caine, Developed Interest in Theatre, and Film Debut
Sean Connery met Michael Caine, developed a serious interest in theatre thanks to Robert Henderson, and made his film debut as an extra in "Lilacs in the Spring" in 1954.
December 1956: Supporting Role in Time Lock
Starting December 1956, Connery filmed a minor role as a welder in Gerald Thomas's thriller Time Lock, alongside Robert Beatty, Lee Patterson, Betty McDowall, and Vincent Winter.
1956: Theatrical Production and Television Roles
Sean Connery appeared in the theatrical production of "Epitaph" and took on minor television roles in "Dixon of Dock Green", "Sailor of Fortune", and "The Jack Benny Program" in 1956.
April 1957: First Leading Role
In April 1957, after being disappointed by Jack Palance, Abraham Sofaer offered Sean Connery his first leading role as Mountain McLintock in BBC Television's production of Requiem for a Heavyweight.
1958: Confrontation with Johnny Stompanato
In 1958, during the filming of Another Time, Another Place, Connery had a confrontation with Johnny Stompanato, the possessive gangster boyfriend of his co-star Lana Turner. Stompanato believed Turner and Connery were having an affair and threatened Connery with a gun, but Connery disarmed him.
1959: Disney Debut in Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In 1959, Connery starred in his first leading role in a major production as Darby O'Gill in the Walt Disney Productions film Darby O'Gill and the Little People.
1961: Shakespearean Roles on Television
Connery took on Shakespearean roles in 1961, portraying the title role in a CBC television film adaptation of Macbeth and appearing in BBC Television's productions of Adventure Story and Anna Karenina.
1962: Breakthrough as James Bond
Connery's breakthrough role as British secret agent James Bond in Dr. No premiered in 1962, marking the beginning of a successful film series that would solidify his stardom.
1962: Connery Marries Diane Cilento
Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento in 1962.
1962: "Bond... James Bond" Captures Popular Culture
With the release of Dr. No in 1962, James Bond's iconic introduction, delivered coolly by Connery, became instantly recognizable and solidified its place in Western popular culture.
1963: James Bond in "From Russia with Love"
Sean Connery starred as James Bond in the film "From Russia with Love" in 1963.
1964: Fleming Incorporates Connery's Heritage into Bond
Impressed with Connery's portrayal of James Bond, Ian Fleming, the character's creator, incorporated Connery's Scottish heritage into the Bond's backstory in the 1964 novel You Only Live Twice.
1964: James Bond in "Goldfinger"
Sean Connery continued his role as James Bond in "Goldfinger" in 1964.
1964: Connery's Golf Scene in "Goldfinger"
Sean Connery, as James Bond, played a memorable golf scene in the 1964 film "Goldfinger," further solidifying his association with the Slazenger brand he wore on and off screen.
1964: Collaboration with Hitchcock in Marnie
Seeking to avoid typecasting, Connery starred in Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thriller Marnie in 1964, demonstrating his acting range and willingness to take on diverse roles.
June 1965: Time Magazine Recognizes James Bond's Cultural Impact
Time magazine highlighted James Bond's emergence as a major cultural icon in June 1965, solidifying Sean Connery's status as a global star.
1965: Critically Acclaimed Performance in The Hill
Connery's performance in Sidney Lumet's The Hill in 1965 further showcased his acting abilities and marked the beginning of a successful collaborative relationship with the director.
1965: Near-Death Experience on Thunderball Set
During the filming of Thunderball in 1965, Connery narrowly avoided a potentially fatal accident when a shark managed to breach a protective barrier during a scene filmed in a pool.
1965: Connery's Controversial Playboy Interview
In 1965, Sean Connery sparked controversy with an interview in Playboy magazine where he suggested that hitting a woman was sometimes acceptable.
1965: James Bond in "Thunderball"
Sean Connery starred in "Thunderball" as James Bond in 1965.
1966: Connery's Political Awakening
Sean Connery's Scottish roots and experiences filming in Glasgow's shipyards in 1966 influenced his decision to join the Scottish National Party (SNP), advocating for Scottish independence.
1967: Departure from James Bond (Initially)
After starring in five consecutive James Bond films, Connery stepped down from the iconic role in 1967.
1967: Connery's Letter of Support for SNP Candidate
Demonstrating his commitment to Scottish independence, Sean Connery wrote a letter in 1967 to George Leslie, the SNP candidate in the Glasgow Pollok by-election, expressing his belief in Scotland's potential for prosperity and self-governance.
1967: The Bowler and the Bunnet
In 1967, Sean Connery directed and presented the documentary film "The Bowler and the Bunnet", which explored a new approach to industrial relations at the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Glasgow.
1967: Connery Illustrates Cilento's Novel
Sean Connery created the cover art for his then-wife Diane Cilento's novel, "The Manipulator," in 1967.
1967: James Bond in "You Only Live Twice"
Sean Connery portrayed James Bond in the film "You Only Live Twice" in 1967.
1971: Return as James Bond in Diamonds are Forever
Connery returned to the role of James Bond for the seventh film in the series, Diamonds are Forever, released in 1971.
1972: Golden Globe Henrietta Award
Sean Connery's global popularity earned him a shared Golden Globe Henrietta Award with Charles Bronson for "World Film Favorite – Male" in 1972.
1973: Performance in "The Offence"
Sean Connery starred in the film "The Offence" in 1973.
1974: Zardoz and Murder on the Orient Express
Connery starred in two contrasting films in 1974: the sci-fi thriller "Zardoz", known for his controversial costume, and the ensemble mystery "Murder on the Orient Express".
1974: Connery and Cilento Divorce
Sean Connery and Diane Cilento divorced in 1974 after separating in 1971.
1975: The Man Who Would Be King
Connery starred in "The Man Who Would Be King" alongside Michael Caine in 1975, a film considered a favorite by both actors.
1975: Connery Marries Micheline Roquebrune
Sean Connery married painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975.
1975: Connery Stars in "The Man Who Would Be King"
Sean Connery starred alongside Michael Caine in the adventure film "The Man Who Would Be King" in 1975, solidifying a close friendship with Caine.
1976: Robin and Marian
In 1976, Connery took on the role of Robin Hood in "Robin and Marian" opposite Audrey Hepburn.
1977: A Bridge Too Far
Connery portrayed a British Army general in Richard Attenborough's war film "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977.
1977: Appearance in "A Bridge Too Far"
Sean Connery appeared in the film "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977.
1979: Connery Purchases French Estate
Sean Connery acquired the Domaine de Terre Blanche estate in the South of France in 1979.
1981: Time Bandits and Outland
Connery appeared in two distinct sci-fi films in 1981: a supporting role as Agamemnon in "Time Bandits" and as Marshal William T. O'Niel in "Outland".
1981: Role in "Time Bandits"
Sean Connery acted in the film "Time Bandits" in 1981.
1982: G'olé! and Annie
In 1982, Connery lent his voice to narrate "G'olé!", the official film of the FIFA World Cup, and was also considered for the role of Daddy Warbucks in "Annie".
October 1983: Never Say Never Again
Connery reprised his role as James Bond in "Never Say Never Again", released in October 1983, despite his previous stance on not returning to the character.
1983: Final Bond Appearance in Never Say Never Again
Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in 1983's Never Say Never Again, a remake of Thunderball produced outside the Eon Productions franchise.
1983: Final Appearance as James Bond in "Never Say Never Again"
Sean Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in the film "Never Say Never Again" in 1983.
1986: The Name of the Rose and Highlander
Connery's career saw renewed success in 1986 with his BAFTA-winning performance in "The Name of the Rose" and his memorable role as an aging mentor in "Highlander".
1987: The Untouchables
Connery's performance as a tough Irish-American cop in 1987's "The Untouchables" earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1987: Received the Cecil B. DeMille Award
Sean Connery received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1987.
1987: Performance in "The Untouchables"
Sean Connery starred in "The Untouchables" in 1987.
1989: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Connery played the role of Henry Jones Sr., Indiana Jones' father, in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" in 1989, earning both BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.
1989: Connery Named "Sexiest Man Alive"
Sean Connery's charisma and on-screen presence earned him the title of "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 1989.
1990: The Hunt for Red October and The Russia House
Connery starred in two successful films in 1990: "The Hunt for Red October" and "The Russia House".
1990: Performance in "The Hunt for Red October"
Sean Connery starred in the film "The Hunt for Red October" in 1990.
1991: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Connery made a cameo appearance as King Richard the Lionheart in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" in 1991.
May 1993: Connery Participates in Gleneagles Golf Course Opening
In May 1993, Sean Connery joined Jack Nicklaus and Jackie Stewart for the opening of the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Scotland.
1993: Connery's Controversial Vanity Fair Interview
Sean Connery's remarks about women in a 1993 Vanity Fair interview, where he implied some women provoke physical confrontation, ignited controversy.
1995: First Knight and Just Cause
Connery starred in "First Knight" and "Just Cause" in 1995, both films receiving mixed reviews.
1996: The Rock and Dragonheart
Connery's career continued with leading roles in action films like "The Rock" and voice acting in animated features like "Dragonheart" in 1996.
1997: Connery's First Knighthood Nomination
Sean Connery received his first nomination for knighthood in 1997.
1997: Start of Connery's Tax Period
This year marks the beginning of the period between 1997 and 1998 during which Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
1998: The Avengers
Connery appeared in the film adaptation of "The Avengers" in 1998, which faced critical and commercial disappointment.
1998: BAFTA Fellowship
Connery's contributions to film were recognized in 1998 with the BAFTA Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
1998: Connery's Second Knighthood Nomination
Sean Connery was nominated for knighthood again in 1998, though both this and his previous nomination were allegedly vetoed.
1998: End of Connery's First Tax Period
This year marks the end of the period between 1997 and 1998 during which Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
1999: Connery Cleared in Tax Evasion Investigation
After selling his Marbella villa in 1999, Sean Connery faced a tax evasion investigation by Spanish authorities but was later cleared, though his wife and others faced charges.
1999: Entrapment
Connery starred alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones in the heist film "Entrapment" in 1999.
1999: Connery Named "Sexiest Man of the Century"
Further cementing his heartthrob status, Sean Connery was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century" by People magazine in 1999.
1999: Connery Sells French Estate
Sean Connery sold his Domaine de Terre Blanche estate to German billionaire Dietmar Hopp in 1999.
1999: Received the Kennedy Center Honors
Sean Connery was among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999.
July 2000: Connery Knighted
Sean Connery received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh in July 2000, after previous nominations were reportedly vetoed.
2000: Finding Forrester
Connery's performance in the drama "Finding Forrester" in 2000 earned him positive reviews.
2000: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
Sean Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama in 2000.
2001: Connery Halts SNP Funding
Due to new legislation in the United Kingdom prohibiting overseas funding of political activities, Sean Connery ceased his financial contributions to the SNP in 2001.
2002: Start of Connery's Second Tax Period
This year marks the beginning of the period between 2002 and 2003 during which Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
2003: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Retirement
Connery's final film role was in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in 2003. Frustration with the production led to his decision to retire from acting.
2003: Connery Addresses Tax Exile Accusations
Responding to allegations of being a tax exile, Sean Connery released tax documents in 2003 demonstrating his payment of UK taxes, though critics argued that his tax rate would have been higher as a continuous resident.
2003: Final On-Screen Role in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"
Sean Connery had his final on-screen role as Allan Quatermain in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in 2003.
2004: Connery Named "The Greatest Living Scot"
Sean Connery was recognized as "The Greatest Living Scot" in a 2004 poll conducted by the UK's Sunday Herald, reflecting his enduring popularity and cultural significance in his homeland.
2005: From Russia with Love
In 2005, Connery returned to the role of James Bond one last time, providing voice work and likeness for the video game "From Russia with Love".
June 2006: Sean Connery Retires from Acting
Sean Connery announced his retirement from acting at the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in June 2006, citing his disillusionment with Hollywood.
2006: Connery's Controversial Statements and Allegations
Sean Connery faced controversy in 2006 when his ex-wife, Diane Cilento, accused him of abuse during their marriage, leading to his withdrawal from a Scottish Parliament appearance. Connery's past statements about hitting women resurfaced and drew criticism, though he maintained that he did not condone any form of abuse.
June 2007: Connery Denies Indiana Jones Rumors
Sean Connery dismissed rumors of appearing in the fourth Indiana Jones film in June 2007, expressing his enjoyment of retirement.
2009: Sean Connery Recalls a Conversation in a Taxi
In 2009, Sean Connery shared a memory about a conversation he had in a taxi.
2010: Connery Honored with Bronze Bust in Estonia
A bronze bust of Sean Connery was unveiled in Tallinn, Estonia, in 2010, recognizing his cultural impact and connection to the Scottish community there.
2011: Connery Voted "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure"
A 2011 EuroMillions survey crowned Sean Connery as "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure," signifying his enduring legacy and impact on Scottish culture.
2011: Connery's Continued Support for Scottish Independence
Sean Connery reaffirmed his support for Scottish independence in 2011, viewing his involvement as a natural progression from his earlier advocacy.
2012: Connery Voices "Sir Billi" in Animated Film
Sean Connery briefly came out of retirement to lend his voice to the titular character in the Scottish animated film "Sir Billi" in 2012, also serving as executive producer for the extended version.
2014: Connery's Limited Presence in Scottish Referendum
Sean Connery's brother, Neil, revealed that the actor's tax exile status restricted his time in Scotland and prevented him from actively campaigning for independence during the 2014 referendum.
October 2020: Death of Sean Connery
Sean Connery passed away in October 2020.
October 2020: Sean Connery Passes Away
Sean Connery passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas in October 2020 at the age of 90, as announced by his family and Eon Productions. While initially undisclosed, his death certificate later revealed the cause to be pneumonia and respiratory failure.
2022: Connery's Ashes Scattered in Scotland
Sean Connery's ashes were scattered at undisclosed locations in Scotland in 2022, honoring his wish to return to his homeland.
2023: Current Monetary Value of Football Contract Offer
As of 2023, the football contract offered to Sean Connery would be equivalent to £882 a week.
2024: Edinburgh International Film Festival Establishes Sean Connery Prize
In 2024, the Edinburgh International Film Festival created the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence to honor the late actor. The award, which includes a £50,000 prize, is given to a film chosen by audience vote from a shortlist of ten feature films that premiere at the festival.
