Sean Connery was a Scottish actor who rose to global prominence as the suave, Martini-sipping spy James Bond. He portrayed the British secret agent in seven films spanning over three decades. For many, Connery was the epitome of the iconic character, and he remains a fan favorite despite several other actors taking on the role.
Connery spent his later years living leisurely in the Bahamas within a private gated community with a golf course. He has been a subject of public fascination for his lifestyle and his leading ladies ever since his big-screen debut in 1962’s “Dr. No.“
Sean Connery – A Beloved Actor
In addition to his seven James Bond movies, Connery is best remembered for two roles: Indiana Jones’ father in 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and the ill-fated Irish cop in 1987’s “The Untouchables” – for which he won an Academy Award.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin Costner, Connery’s co-star in “The Untouchables,” described the Scottish actor as a “skilled actor who was immensely proud of his body of work, particularly his work on stage. Although he was very no-nonsense, he was very inclusive with me, professionally and personally.”
Another James Bond actor, Pierce Brosnan, wrote a heartfelt tribute, describing Connery as “my greatest James Bond.” Brosnan added, “Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role. You were mighty in every way, as an actor, and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time.”
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Sean Connery’s Love Life
Sean Connery was married twice. First, he married Australian actress Diane Cilento, with whom he had a son, Jason, before divorcing in 1973. Cilento died of cancer in 2011 at the age of 78. In 1975, Connery married Micheline Roquebrune, who had three children from her previous marriages, Oliver, Micha, and Stephane, all of whom became Connery’s stepchildren.
Although he declared his second wife the love of his life, Sean Connery was known to have had an affair. Lynsey de Paul, a singer, claimed in 1993 that she had an affair with Connery in 1989. While he was married to Cilento, he was also reportedly involved with actress Sue Lloyd and was seen on movie dates with the popular film star Shelley Winters. Former Miss France Claudine Auger and actress Sylvia Miles were also believed to have been on dates with him.
Connery’s Passing
Sean Connery’s wife, Roquebrune, revealed that the actor had dementia and that it “took its toll on him.” She said that he got his final wish to slip away without any fuss, adding that it was no life for him because he could not express himself. She was with him constantly, and he just slipped away peacefully in his sleep, the way he had always wanted.
She described her life with him as “wonderful” and “gorgeous,” saying that he was a “model of a man.” She also shared that his ashes would be scattered on an unnamed Scottish golf course, and she hoped to fulfill his final wish of returning to Scotland but was unable to do so due to covid-related travel restrictions at the time.
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Sources
- “Sean Connery: James Bond star’s ‘serious marriage talks’ with secret girlfriend exposed.” Express. Josh Saunders, May 9, 2020
- “Sir Sean Connery’s widow Micheline Roquebrune tells of difficulty living without 007 star.” Edinburgh news. Scott McCartney. November 22, 2021
- “Sean Connery’s Widow Reveals Actor Struggled with Dementia Before His Death: ‘It Was No Life for Him’.” People. Maria Pasquini. November 1, 2020
- “Sean Connery’s wife Micheline Roquebrune reveals late star had dementia: ‘It was no life for him’.” Independent. Ellie Harrison. November 2, 2020