Remembering Sean Connery: The Iconic James Bond And A Gentleman To The Core

Sean Connery’s Legendary Introduction as James Bond

Picture this: A dimly lit casino table, the sound of chips clinking, and the intoxicating air of victory. Sean Connery, in a sleek suit, just won a hand of baccarat. With a flick of his wrist, he lights a cigarette, exhales, and introduces himself to the stunning woman across from him. “Bond,” he says, snapping his silver cigarette lighter shut with an air of confidence that could only belong to James Bond. “James Bond.”

This unforgettable moment in the 1962 film Dr. No cemented Sean Connery’s place in cinematic history as the original and, for many, the ultimate James Bond. Even in his final days, Sean made sure his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, and his son, Jason Connery, knew how deeply he loved and cherished them, according to an exclusive source in the latest issue of Closer Weekly, now available on newsstands.

Hollywood Mourns the Loss of a Legend

When the news of Sean Connery’s passing on October 31, 2020, reached Hollywood, it sent shockwaves through the industry. Micheline revealed that Sean, who suffered from dementia, died peacefully in his sleep at their home in Nassau, Bahamas. The world mourned the loss of a man whose charm and wit were unmatched.

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Current Bond actor, Daniel Craig, paid tribute by saying, “The wit and charm Sean displayed on-screen could be measured in megawatts. He set the bar so high for all of us who followed.”

Ursula Andress, the first Bond girl in Dr. No, recalled Sean with fondness, describing him as “a great friend and a fabulous actor.” She lamented that men like Sean don’t exist today, too consumed by their own egos. Ursula remembered feeling timid during filming, but Sean was protective and supportive. “He had a wonderful sense of humor and empathy,” she said.

Michael Caine Remembers Sean Connery with Fondness

Michael Caine, who worked alongside Sean in the 1975 film The Man Who Would Be King, fondly remembered his friend. “Sean was a rare combination of being a great star and a brilliant actor,” Michael told Closer. “He was a wonderful man, and we had an incredible time together. I truly miss him.”

The Humble Beginnings of a Hollywood Icon

Sean Connery’s journey to stardom wasn’t an easy one. He was born into a working-class family in Edinburgh, Scotland, and lived in a cold-water flat in a poor neighborhood. At the tender age of nine, he started working, delivering milk in the early hours of the morning. By the age of thirteen, he had dropped out of school to support his family. “From the time I started working at 13, I always paid my share of the rent,” he once said. “I had to make it on my own or not at all.”

Sean’s early career was a patchwork of odd jobs, including a stint in the Royal Navy, semi-professional soccer, and bodybuilding. Eventually, he landed a role in a touring production of the musical South Pacific, largely because of his convincing sailor look. This led to small roles in television and films, such as 1959’s Darby O’Gill and the Little People, a Disney adaptation of an Irish folktale. It was his charisma in these roles that caught the eye of Dr. No producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who saw Sean as the perfect James Bond.

Sean Connery’s Reluctance to Play James Bond

Despite being offered the role of James Bond, Sean was hesitant. “I didn’t want to do it,” he admitted, knowing that a successful film would lead to sequels and long-term contracts. “Contracts choke you, and I wanted to be free,” he explained. However, Sean went on to play Bond seven times, with 1963’s From Russia With Love being his personal favorite.

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After his time as Bond, Sean chose roles that didn’t rely on his good looks. “I don’t mind being older or looking stupid,” he said, proving his versatility as an actor.