Sean Connery was not only a worldwide superstar, but also a legend in the film industry. His iconic portrayal of 007 in the James Bond films catapulted him to fame. In 2020, the world mourned the loss of this Scottish actor, father, and grandfather.
Throughout his incredible life, Sean Connery remained married to his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, for an impressive 45 years.
From Humble Beginnings
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on August 25, 1930, Sean Connery grew up in a modest neighborhood. He left school at a young age to help support his family, working odd jobs such as delivering milk. Despite their financial hardships, Connery reflected that everyone in his community was in the same situation.
At the age of 17, Connery joined the Royal Navy. However, he was forced to leave three years later due to health issues. After returning to Scotland, he worked different jobs to make ends meet, even resorting to sleeping at his workplace.
The Path to Stardom
During this time, Connery became interested in weightlifting and joined a local club. His dedication paid off when he was selected to compete in the Mr. Universe competition. This opportunity caught the attention of casting directors, leading to his first acting job in a London-based touring company. From there, he continued to secure roles in movies and television, eventually adopting the name “Sean.”
But it was his role as James Bond in the first-ever Bond film, “Dr. No,” that solidified his place in cinematic history. Ian Fleming, the author behind the Bond novels, admired Connery’s portrayal and even gave Bond a Scottish background to match the actor. Connery went on to star as Bond in six more films, creating the modern depiction of the iconic character.
Beyond James Bond
While Connery will forever be associated with James Bond, his career extended far beyond the famous spy series. He took on diverse roles in movies like “The Hunt for Red October,” “Indiana Jones,” “The Rock,” and “The Untouchables,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Sean Connery was not one to be defined by a single character.
A Lasting Love
In a world where celebrity marriages often end in divorce, Connery’s love story with Micheline Roquebrune stands out. They first met at a golf tournament in Morocco, where Roquebrune had no idea Connery was a Hollywood star. The connection between them was instant, and they soon married in 1975. Despite the initial language barrier, with Roquebrune speaking several languages while Connery only spoke English, their love transcended words.
The couple made their home in the Bahamas, where they remained happily married for 45 years. Though rumors of Connery’s infidelity circulated, their bond remained strong. In October 2020, Sean Connery passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90, surrounded by his wife.
A Legacy Remembered
Connery’s death was a loss for the world, but his impact will be everlasting. As a true Scottish icon, Connery’s net worth was estimated to be over $350 million. His final wish was to have his ashes scattered in both the Bahamas and his beloved homeland of Scotland.
Rest in peace, Sean Connery. His portrayal of James Bond and his remarkable love story will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.