James Bond became a household name with the release of the first ever Bond movie in 1962. The movie, an adaptation of Ian Fleming’s famous spy thriller novel Dr. No, heralded the rise of a dashing new Hollywood star: Sean Connery.
Sir Connery was thus the first James Bond, who played the iconic role in the first five films of the franchisee. Because of his deft portrayal of the enigmatic and suave superspy, the actor is believed to be instrumental in making the role evergreen.
The Oscar-winning actor, who recently passed away in his sleep after struggling with dementia in his final years, will always be remembered for his accurate and artistic portrayal of the superspy, adding a remarkable Scottish accent and flair to a role that came naturally to him. The pioneering actor in defining the portrayal of James Bond, Sir Connery propelled himself as well as his on-screen persona into the pantheon of greatness. His smooth and suave way of bringing Bond alive on screen is what made the role one of the most coveted ones in Hollywood.
Such was Sir Connery’s brilliance in portraying Bond that the role became his cinematic signature and the audience always saw Bond and Sir Connery as one. As it was difficult for the audience to imagine anyone else in the shoes of Bond, Sir Connery returned as the swashbuckling character in consecutive films of the franchise in 1963, 1964 and 1965 with Russia with Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball, respectively. He continued as Bond in 1967 with You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever in 1971.
He also returned as Bond in the year 1983 with the only unofficial Bond film, Never Say Never Again. Adjudged the World’s Sexiest Man in 1989, even when he was approaching the ripe age of 60, was a testament to his evergreen charm and unfading presence in Hollywood.
Born as Thomas Sean Connery in the working-class community of Edinburgh, Sir Connery stayed a proud Scotsman throughout his life. He considered the opportunity to read and study at the early age of five was his first big break as it opened up for him a world beyond his small family and their limited needs and ambitions. He served in the Royal Navy for quite a few years, starting from the age of 16. Then he went on to participate in the Mr Universe competition after taking voluntary retirement from the Navy. His first big break in Hollywood was the film Another time, Another Place (1958) before he landed his maiden Bond role in 1962. His humble background and discipline from his Navy days helped him stay grounded in his Scottish values even after gaining global fame as the original James Bond.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, Sir Connery was regarded as one of the most respectable Hollywood stars of his era. Although he has left the world stage, he will always remain an icon and inspiration for future generations of actors who want to achieve the superstardom that he continued to command all his life.
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