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 successful Scottish actor, best known as the first cinematic James Bond. He starred in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983, beginning with Dr. No and solidifying the character's suave and charismatic image. His portrayal defined Bond for many and established a successful, decades-long acting career beyond the iconic role. His final appearance as 007 was in Never Say Never Again.

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 the film Dr. No in 1962, the line "Bond ... James Bond" became a catchphrase, solidifying Sean Connery's James Bond as a cultural icon.

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1964: Bond's Scottish Heritage

In his 1964 novel You Only Live Twice, Ian Fleming wrote that James Bond's father was Scottish and from Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, influenced by Sean Connery's successful portrayal of the character.

June 1965: Time magazine observation on James Bond

In June 1965, Time magazine observed that "James Bond has developed into the biggest mass-cult hero of the decade".

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1989: Voted 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People Magazine

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

1998: Received BAFTA Fellowship

In 1998, Sean Connery received the BAFTA Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

1999: Voted 'Sexiest Man of the Century' by People Magazine

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

July 2000: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

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

2004: Named 'The Greatest Living Scot'

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

June 2006: Confirmed retirement from acting at AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony

On June 8, 2006, Sean Connery confirmed his retirement from acting while receiving the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, citing disillusionment with Hollywood as a reason.

2010: Bronze bust sculpture placed in Tallinn, Estonia

In 2010, a bronze bust sculpture of Sean Connery was placed in Tallinn, Estonia, outside The Scottish Club, honoring his legacy and connection to Scotland.

2011: Named 'Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure'

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

2024: Establishment of Sean Connery Prize

In 2024, the Edinburgh International Film Festival established the annual Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, which includes a prize of £50,000.