History of Sean Connery in Timeline
Sir Sean Connery was a highly acclaimed Scottish actor, best known as the first cinematic James Bond. He defined the suave, charismatic spy in seven films, starting with "Dr. No" (1962) and continuing through "Never Say Never Again" (1983). His portrayal became the standard, influencing subsequent actors in the role and solidifying Bond's place in pop culture.
April 1929: Micheline Roquebrune's birth
Micheline Roquebrune, who would later become Sean Connery's wife, was born in April 1929.
August 1930: Birth of Thomas Sean Connery
In August 1930, Thomas Sean Connery was born at the Royal Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland.
August 1930: Sean Connery's Birth
On August 1930, Thomas Sean Connery was born in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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, Sean Connery participated in Mr. Universe contest.
1951: Heavily Trained with Ellington
From 1951, Sean Connery trained heavily in bodybuilding with Ellington, a former gym instructor in the British Army.
1951: Worked Backstage at King's Theatre
In late 1951, Sean Connery helped out backstage at the King's Theatre to supplement his income.
1953: Landed Part in South Pacific
In 1953, Sean Connery landed a small part in a production of "South Pacific" as one of the Seabees chorus boys.
1953: Mr. Universe contest
In 1953, Sean Connery participated in Mr. Universe contest. Most sources place him in the 1953 competition, either third in the Junior class or failing to place in the Tall Man classification.
1954: Met Michael Caine and Developed Interest in Theatre
In 1954, Sean Connery met Michael Caine and developed a serious interest in theatre through American actor Robert Henderson. He also was an extra in Herbert Wilcox's musical "Lilacs in the Spring".
December 1956: Filming of Time Lock Commenced
On December 1, 1956, filming commenced for Gerald Thomas's thriller Time Lock, in which Sean Connery had a minor role as a welder.
1956: Early Television Roles
In 1956, Sean Connery appeared in the theatrical production of Epitaph and played a minor role in an episode of the BBC Television police series Dixon of Dock Green. He also had 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.
1958: Starred in Another Time, Another Place and Confrontation with Johnny Stompanato
In 1958, Sean Connery starred in "Another Time, Another Place" and disarmed Johnny Stompanato, Lana Turner's boyfriend, who threatened him with a gun on set.
1959: Starred in Darby O'Gill and the Little People
In 1959, Sean Connery played a leading role in Walt Disney Productions' film "Darby O'Gill and the Little People".
1961: Television Roles in Adventure Story, Anna Karenina, and Macbeth
In 1961, Sean Connery had prominent television roles in Rudolph Cartier's productions of Adventure Story and Anna Karenina for BBC Television, and portrayed the title role in a CBC television film adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
1962: "Bond ... James Bond" becomes a catchphrase
Following the release of "Dr. No" in 1962, the line "Bond ... James Bond" became a famous catchphrase.
1962: Connery marries Diane Cilento
In 1962, Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento.
1962: First James Bond Film: Dr. No
In 1962, Sean Connery originated the role of James Bond in the film "Dr. No".
1963: Starred in "From Russia with Love"
In 1963, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in "From Russia with Love".
1964: Golf lessons before filming Goldfinger
In 1964, English professional golfer Peter Alliss gave Connery golf lessons before the filming of the James Bond film Goldfinger, which involved a scene where Connery, as Bond, played golf. This scene saw him wear a Slazenger v-neck sweater.
1964: Bond's Scottish Heritage
In 1964, Ian Fleming wrote in "You Only Live Twice" that James Bond's father was Scottish from Glencoe, inspired by Sean Connery's portrayal.
1964: Starred in Marnie
In 1964, Sean Connery appeared in Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
1964: Connery stars in Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie
In 1964, Sean Connery starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" opposite Tippi Hedren. Connery, wanting to avoid being typecast, requested to see the script, contrasting with Cary Grant's approach to Hitchcock's films. Connery expressed happiness with the film, albeit with some reservations.
June 1965: Time magazine observes Bond's mass-cult status
In June 1965, Time magazine observed that "James Bond has developed into the biggest mass-cult hero of the decade".
1965: Starred in The Hill
In 1965, Sean Connery appeared in The Hill, directed by Sidney Lumet.
1965: Connery stars in Sidney Lumet's The Hill
In 1965, Sean Connery starred in Sidney Lumet's "The Hill", a film he chose to avoid being typecast. Although not financially successful, the film was critically acclaimed, debuting at the Cannes Film Festival and winning Best Screenplay. This marked the first of five films Connery made with Lumet, whom he greatly respected.
1965: Connery's controversial comments in Playboy
In 1965, Sean Connery was reported to have made controversial comments in Playboy magazine regarding hitting women, which he later denied.
1965: Life-threatening shark encounter during Thunderball filming
In 1965, while filming "Thunderball", Sean Connery's life was endangered during the shark sequence in Emilio Largo's pool. Despite his insistence on a Plexiglas partition, a shark breached it, forcing him to evacuate the pool immediately.
1966: Inspired to join the Scottish National Party
In 1966, Connery's Scottish roots and his experiences filming in Glasgow's shipyards inspired him to become a member of the centre-left Scottish National Party (SNP).
1966: Fairfield Experiment supported by George Brown
In 1966, the Fairfield Experiment, which was featured in "The Bowler and the Bunnet" was supported by George Brown, the First Secretary in Harold Wilson's cabinet, with a £1 million investment to prevent the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company's closure.
1967: Fifth Bond Film
Between 1962 and 1967, Sean Connery played 007 in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice, the first five Bond films produced by Eon Productions.
1967: Connery writes to SNP candidate
In 1967, Connery wrote to George Leslie, the SNP candidate in the 1967 Glasgow Pollok by-election, expressing his belief in Scotland's capabilities as a self-governing nation.
1967: Connery directs and presents "The Bowler and the Bunnet"
In 1967, Sean Connery directed and presented the documentary film "The Bowler and the Bunnet", which explored the Fairfield Experiment in Glasgow, a new approach to industrial relations.
1967: Connery illustrates Cilento's novel
In 1967, Sean Connery illustrated the cover of Diane Cilento's novel, "The Manipulator".
1967: Starred in "You Only Live Twice"
In 1967, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in "You Only Live Twice".
1971: Connery and Cilento separate
In 1971, Sean Connery and Diane Cilento separated.
1971: Diamonds Are Forever
In 1971, Sean Connery returned to the role of James Bond in "Diamonds Are Forever".
1971: Starred in "Diamonds Are Forever"
In 1971, Sean Connery starred as James Bond in "Diamonds Are Forever".
1972: Connery receives Golden Globe Henrietta Award
In 1972, Sean Connery received the Golden Globe Henrietta Award for "World Film Favorite – Male", sharing it with Charles Bronson, reflecting his global popularity after playing Bond six times.
1973: Starred in The Offence
In 1973, Sean Connery appeared in The Offence, directed by Sidney Lumet.
1974: Connery and Cilento divorce
In 1974, Sean Connery and Diane Cilento divorced.
1974: Connery stars in Murder on the Orient Express and Zardoz
In 1974, Sean Connery appeared in "Murder on the Orient Express" and starred in the sci-fi thriller "Zardoz", which, despite initial criticism and Connery wearing a controversial scarlet mankini, has since gained a cult following.
1974: Starred in Murder on the Orient Express
In 1974, Sean Connery appeared in Murder on the Orient Express.
1975: The Man Who Would Be King friendship
In 1975, Michael Caine co-starred with Connery in The Man Who Would Be King and became one of Connery's closest friends.
1975: Starred in The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Sean Connery appeared in The Man Who Would Be King, directed by John Huston.
1975: Connery marries Micheline Roquebrune
In 1975, Sean Connery married French-Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune, and they remained married until his death. Their marriage survived an affair Connery had in the late 1980s.
1975: Connery stars in The Man Who Would Be King and The Wind and the Lion
In 1975, Sean Connery starred in John Huston's "The Man Who Would Be King" opposite Michael Caine, a film both actors considered their favorite. He also appeared in "The Wind and the Lion" opposite Candice Bergen.
1976: Starred in Robin and Marian
In 1976, Sean Connery appeared in Robin and Marian.
1976: Connery plays Robin Hood in Robin and Marian
In 1976, Sean Connery played Robin Hood in "Robin and Marian" opposite Audrey Hepburn as Maid Marian, earning praise for his chemistry with Hepburn.
1977: Starred in A Bridge Too Far
In 1977, Sean Connery appeared in A Bridge Too Far.
1979: Connery acquires Domaine de Terre Blanche
In 1979, Sean Connery acquired the Domaine de Terre Blanche in the South of France.
1981: Connery appears in Time Bandits and Outland
In 1981, Sean Connery appeared in "Time Bandits" as Agamemnon, a casting choice inspired by a joke in the script. He also starred as Marshal William T. O'Niel in the science fiction thriller "Outland".
1981: Starred in Time Bandits
In 1981, Sean Connery appeared in Time Bandits.
1982: Connery narrates G'olé! and declines role in Annie
In 1982, Sean Connery narrated "G'olé!", the official film of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He also turned down the role of Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" after taking voice lessons for the part.
October 1983: Release of Never Say Never Again
In October 1983, Sean Connery reprised his role as James Bond in "Never Say Never Again". The film, whose title was inspired by his previous statement that he would "never again" return to the role, faced several production issues and led to Connery's dissatisfaction with major studios.
1983: Final James Bond Appearance: Never Say Never Again
In 1983, Sean Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in "Never Say Never Again".
1983: Never Say Never Again
In 1983, Sean Connery made his final appearance as James Bond in "Never Say Never Again".
1986: Starred in Highlander and The Name of the Rose
In 1986, Sean Connery appeared in both Highlander and The Name of the Rose.
1986: BAFTA Award for The Name of the Rose
In 1986, Sean Connery received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Name of the Rose".
1986: Connery wins BAFTA for The Name of the Rose and stars in Highlander
In 1986, Sean Connery won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Name of the Rose". That same year, he appeared in "Highlander", which showcased his ability to play older mentors, a recurring role in his later films.
1987: Academy Award and Golden Globe for The Untouchables
In 1987, Sean Connery received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Untouchables". He also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in the same year.
1987: Connery stars in The Untouchables
In 1987, Sean Connery starred in "The Untouchables", playing an Irish-American cop. The film was a critical and box-office success, and Connery's performance earned him a BAFTA nomination, a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1989: Starred in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, Sean Connery appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
1989: Voted "Sexiest Man Alive"
In 1989, Sean Connery was voted by People magazine as the "Sexiest Man Alive".
1990: Starred in The Hunt for Red October
In 1990, Sean Connery appeared in The Hunt for Red October.
1990: Connery stars in The Hunt for Red October and The Russia House
In 1990, Sean Connery starred in the box-office hits "The Hunt for Red October" and "The Russia House".
1991: Connery's cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
In 1991, Sean Connery made a brief cameo appearance as King Richard the Lionheart at the end of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves".
May 1993: Opened PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles
In May 1993, Sean Connery and Jackie Stewart helped Jack Nicklaus open the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles in Scotland.
1993: Connery's reported statement to Vanity Fair on women
In 1993, Sean Connery was reported to have made a statement to Vanity Fair regarding women seeking confrontation, which added to the controversy surrounding his views on domestic violence.
1995: Connery stars 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: Starred in Dragonheart and The Rock
In 1996, Sean Connery appeared in Dragonheart and The Rock.
1996: Connery stars in The Rock and voices Draco in Dragonheart
In 1996, Sean Connery starred in the box-office hit "The Rock" and voiced the role of Draco the dragon in the film "Dragonheart".
1997: Connery paid UK taxes
Between 1997 and 1998, Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
1997: First knighthood nomination
Sean Connery was first nominated for a knighthood in 1997, but this was reportedly vetoed by Donald Dewar.
1998: Connery paid UK taxes
Between 1997 and 1998, Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
1998: Connery receives BAFTA Fellowship
In 1998, Sean Connery received the BAFTA Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
1998: BAFTA Fellowship
In 1998, Sean Connery received the BAFTA Fellowship.
1998: Connery stars in The Avengers
In 1998, Sean Connery starred in "The Avengers", which was a box-office and critical disappointment.
1998: Second knighthood nomination
Sean Connery was nominated for a knighthood again in 1998, but this was reportedly vetoed by Donald Dewar.
1999: Kennedy Center Honors
In 1999, Sean Connery received the Kennedy Center Honors.
1999: Connery sells Domaine de Terre Blanche
In 1999, Sean Connery sold the Domaine de Terre Blanche to German billionaire Dietmar Hopp.
1999: Connery stars in Entrapment
In 1999, Sean Connery starred in the box-office hit "Entrapment".
1999: Named "Sexiest Man of the Century"
In 1999, Sean Connery was voted by People magazine as the "Sexiest Man of the Century".
1999: Tax evasion investigation launched
In 1999, after 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: Connery knighted by the Queen
On 5 July 2000, Sean Connery was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.
2000: Starred in Finding Forrester
In 2000, Sean Connery appeared in Finding Forrester.
2000: Connery receives 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.
2000: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
In 2000, Sean Connery was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama and was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
2001: Funding of SNP ceased
In 2001, Connery's funding of the SNP ceased when the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed legislation prohibiting overseas funding of political activities in the United Kingdom.
2002: Connery paid UK taxes
Between 2002 and 2003, Sean Connery paid £3.7 million in UK taxes.
2003: Connery stars in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
In 2003, Sean Connery starred in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", which was a box-office and critical disappointment and led to his retirement from acting. In a UK poll, Connery was ranked eighth on the list of the 100 Greatest Movie Stars.
2003: Final On-Screen Role: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
In 2003, Sean Connery's final on-screen role was as Allan Quatermain in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
2003: Connery releases tax documents
In 2003, in response to accusations that he was a tax exile, Connery released documents showing he had paid £3.7 million in UK taxes between 1997 and 1998 and between 2002 and 2003.
2004: Recognized as "The Greatest Living Scot"
In 2004, a poll in the UK Sunday Herald recognised Connery as "The Greatest Living Scot".
2005: Connery provides 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, marking his return to the Bond franchise in a new medium. He expressed his satisfaction with the producers, Electronic Arts, for approaching him.
June 2006: Connery confirms retirement from acting
On 8 June 2006, Sean Connery confirmed his retirement from acting while receiving the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, citing disillusionment with Hollywood.
2006: Cilento alleges abuse and Connery cancels Parliament appearance
In 2006, Diane Cilento alleged that Sean Connery had abused her during their relationship. Connery cancelled an appearance at the Scottish Parliament due to the controversy. He denied condoning violence against women, refuting past claims.
June 2007: Connery denies return to Indiana Jones series
On 7 June 2007, Sean Connery denied rumors that he would appear in the fourth Indiana Jones film, reaffirming his retirement.
2009: Taxi conversation recalled
In 2009, Sean Connery recalled a conversation he had in a taxi.
2010: Bronze bust of Connery placed in Tallinn, Estonia
In 2010, a bronze bust sculpture of Sean Connery was placed in Tallinn, Estonia, outside The Scottish Club.
2011: Connery comments on association with the Scottish National Party
In 2011, 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".
2011: Named "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure"
In 2011, a EuroMillions survey named Sean Connery "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure".
2012: Connery voices Sir Billi
In 2012, Sean Connery briefly came out of retirement to voice the title character in the Scottish animated film "Sir Billi".
2014: Connery's brother comments on Scottish independence referendum
In 2014, in the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum, Connery's brother Neil said Connery would not come to Scotland to rally independence supporters due to his tax exile status.
October 2020: Sean Connery's Death
In October 2020, Sean Connery passed away.
2021: Value of Brown's Fairfield Experiment investment updated to 2021
In 2021, the £1 million investment made by George Brown in 1966 for the Fairfield Experiment was equivalent to £13.135 million (US$15.55 million).
2022: Connery's ashes scattered in Scotland
In 2022, Sean Connery's remains were cremated, and the ashes were scattered in Scotland at undisclosed locations.
2023: Value of Contract Offer
In 2023, £25 in 1950 would be equivalent to £882.
2024: Edinburgh International Film Festival establishes award in Connery's honour
In 2024, the Edinburgh International Film Festival established an annual award in Sean Connery's honour, named The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, a prize of £50,000 is given to the makers of a film chosen by audience vote.
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