Sean Connery: Fame, James Bond, and Controversy

Sean Connery rose to fame in the 1960s portraying a British secret agent. He became part of that decade’s British Invasion, which saw music, films, television programming, and fashion from the United Kingdom overwhelm cultures in Europe and North America. Yet throughout his long life, Connery recoiled at being called British. He was, loudly and proudly, a son of Scotland. He called himself a Scot and wore a clan’s kilt when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

Connery was not the first choice to play James Bond on film, and the fictional agent’s creator, Ian Fleming, openly disapproved of his casting. Yet Connery’s acting talents were such that he not only won over Fleming, but the writer added portions of Sean’s performance in new stories, including his Scottish background. Connery eventually tired of the role and branched out significantly, yet he remains the standard against which subsequent portrayers of Bond are measured.

In his long career, he worked with distinguished directors including John Huston, Sidney Lumet, and Alfred Hitchcock. He starred opposite notable actresses including Tippi Hedren, Lana Turner, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Candace Bergen, and Gina Lollabrigida, to name just a few. It was his Bond that introduced the bevy of actresses known to fans and film buffs as “Bond girls”. His film career covered more than 50 years and led to international acclaim. Yet, he is forever linked with the persona he created when he first uttered, “Bond…James Bond”.

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[AvidCat]

The man was Bond, King Arthur, and the Highlander's mentor. The man was legendary.

[PinkyJujubean]

My cousin and his wife sometimes get in these heated arguments and my cousin will make it worse by arguing in a near perfect Sean Connery voice. It's so funny

[Jayjay-qeum]

"I am not an Englishman, I was never an Englishman, and I don't ever want to be one. I am a Scotsman! I waw Scotsman and I will always be one." -- Sean Connery

[laranaarana]

You forgot to mention the movies Outland, Time Bandits, Meteor, Rising Sun, Entrapment, Dragon Heart (voice), Finding Forrester, The Longest Day, Zardoz, Cuba, A Bridge Too Far and several others.

[trumpetmom]

I knew Connery as Bond, but better in Hunt for Red October. But you didn’t mention his one Spielberg/Lucas film- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Definitely a supporting role, but, for me anyway, a very memorable one.

[seandobson]

For me, as an old soldier, the two best films Sean Connery ever made were The Hill, in which he gave a great performance alongside Harry Andrews, who was a great actor as a Sergeant-Major, bust and imprisoned for cowardice and as Sergeant Daniel Carnahan in The Man who would be King, both were great pieces of acting.

[frankboogaard]

I am disappointed that Zardoz is not even mentioned, since, in my opinion, that was an awesome movie.

[buckybryan]

The first movie I saw Connery in was Darby O'Gill and the Little People. Watched that as a kid so many times I lost count.

[Panthror]

Sean Connery played an Egyptian in service to the Spanish crown with a Scottish accent in Highlander, that has to be the weirdest choice ever. Also: Why was Highlander not mentioned in this bio?

[chickendrawsdogs]

To this day I always say "Junior" the same way he called Indiana Jones in Last Crusade, it's just that catchy.

[Coconyt_yt]

Ok. Didn't take long to get over Simon handing over the reins. I mean Simon is a damn treasure, but you've done a very good job. I was waiting for the mention of Connery's big role as Indy's dad in Indiana Jones and The Holy Grail, but it never came. Cheers!

[JadePearl_]

I came here to the comments because I was like “Wait, isn’t this a Simon channel?” You did a good job and I’m still a fan of the channel. The suit looks great, adds some class.

[demikus]

Don't apologize for the suit I think you look great. I hold fond memories of Sean Connery not because of his James Bond appearances but because of his part of Draco, the last dragon for Dragon Heart. Loved that film as a child, and I think it's almost exclusively responsible for my love of fantasy.

[ststclair]

I was unsure if I was going to stay subscribed with the new presenter but you won me over with this episode. Well done sir.

[maxdevlin]

I think you are doing a great job, Simon can't be everywhere...

[fredblonder]

You overlooked his two most important films: Darby O’Gill and Zardoz.

[tsaotsaofamily]

Connery portraying reclusive JD Salinger-like author William Forrester was very memorable as well.

[danielsantiagourtado]

Karl's youre honestly a great host. Love Simon honestly but you bring a refreshing take on it and is much appreciated. Enjoying the videos as always and i cant wait to see more of you!

The information is well researched and very interesting. Thank you so much! And please consider Ferdinand the Saint of Castile and James the Conqueror of Aragon, two great Reconquista figures.

[Mshi-]

The fact they tried to cancel him on the day of his death over a Barbara Walters interview makes him even more epic

[gaiagirl]

You have slowed your speech down, which helps tremendously, and I think you’re doing a great job.