How Sean Connery Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Sean Connery continue to shape the world today.

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.

Sections (6)

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

1962: "Bond ... James Bond" becomes a catchphrase

Following the release of "Dr. No" in 1962, the line "Bond ... James Bond" became a famous catchphrase.

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.

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".

1989: Voted "Sexiest Man Alive"

In 1989, Sean Connery was voted by People magazine as the "Sexiest Man Alive".

1999: Named "Sexiest Man of the Century"

In 1999, Sean Connery was voted by People magazine as the "Sexiest Man of the Century".

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.

2004: Recognized as "The Greatest Living Scot"

In 2004, a poll in the UK Sunday Herald recognised Connery as "The Greatest Living Scot".

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: Named "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure"

In 2011, a EuroMillions survey named Sean Connery "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure".

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.

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.