Sir Sean Connery was more than just the man behind James Bond, he was the perfect mix of cool and talent. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to becoming an international icon, Connery didn’t just play roles; he defined them.
While he’ll forever be linked to the suave, martini-sipping spy, his legacy is filled with diverse characters that showcase his depth. Whether it was his Oscar-winning turn in The Untouchables or his fatherly wisdom in Indiana Jones, Connery brought an unshakable presence to every scene.
Although his global fame has led to countless articles, there are still some stories few people know. Join us to uncover them.
Connery’s first passion was not acting
Before acting became his calling, Connery’s first passion was bodybuilding.As a teenager, Connery developed a passion for fitness, which he carried with him through his time in the Navy and several odd jobs, from lifeguard to artist’s model.
It was this dedication to building strength and sculpting his physique that eventually led him to the world of acting, where his strong presence would become one of his defining features on screen.
In 1953, Sean Connery’s path to fame took an unexpected turn when he ended up in London for a bodybuilding contest. A chance encounter led him to audition for South Pacific at the King’s Theatre.
His raw talent soon caught attention, and he quickly became the understudy for the lead role. Over the next few years, Connery appeared in a variety of films, from thrillers like Time Lock to adventurous classics like Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure, and even a 1961 comedy, On the Fiddle.
His path to James Bond was paved by the producer’s wife
Producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli had a hard time choosing who would portray James Bond.
Cary Grant was initially their top choice, and they even prepared a contract for him. However, when Grant, then 58, made it clear he would only commit to a single film, the producers had to rethink their plans.
They envisioned Dr. No as the start of a series and needed an actor willing to sign on for multiple films. As a result, they had to move on from Grant and find another actor to take on the iconic role.
Several names were considered for the role of James Bond, including Patrick McGoohan from The Prisoner and David Niven. Director Terence Young pushed for Shakespearean actor Richard Johnson, and even Roger Moore was thought about, though Broccoli felt he was “too young, and perhaps a shade too pretty”.
Ian Fleming, the author of the Bond novels, preferred Richard Todd, who had played Wing Commander Guy Gibson in The Dam Busters. Todd was tall, handsome, and commanding, but Saltzman and Broccoli didn’t agree. Without a final decision, the search for the right Bond continued.
During this period, The Daily Express ran a competition to find the perfect James Bond. Among the candidates was Peter Anthony, a 28-year-old model with striking looks reminiscent of Gregory Peck. Despite his appeal and enthusiasm, Anthony lacked the acting chops needed for the role.
And so along came Connery. He didn’t have the polished experience of Cary Grant or David Niven, and faced skepticism from Ian Fleming, who called him “the working-class Scot”. Still, producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman invited him to a lunch meeting that would change the course of film history.
Sean Connery didn’t start off on the right foot. He arrived at the restaurant looking disheveled, with wrinkled clothes and a generally untidy appearance. Despite this, Dana Broccoli convinced her husband to give Connery a shot.
By the end of the lunch, Connery had clinched the role of James Bond. He never went through a formal screen test; instead, his assertive and charismatic behavior during the meal won over the producers. The final clincher was his exit: as he walked back to his car, Saltzman and Broccoli watched him through the window and saw him move with the sleek, “like a jungle cat.”
Sir Sean Connery was knighted by the Queen of England
At 69, Sean Connery was knighted by the Queen for his worldwide fame as James Bond. Despite his Scottish accent in films like Dr. No, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger, Connery was honored for his role as 007.
He knelt as the Queen gently touched his shoulders with a sword, then stood and bowed as she placed a red sash with his medal around his neck. During their brief chat, Connery mentioned, “She just asked how often I come up here.”
Despite the knighthood, Connery remained dedicated to Scottish independence, with one of his three tattoos reading “Scotland Forever.”