Two weeks ago, we were struck by the sad news that another major actor had passed away: Sean Connery had died in his sleep, aged 90. Sean Connery was a man of high caliber, his colleagues and friends say. His working ethics would be an example for many.
Connery had been acting for several years in smaller films when Harry Saltzman and Cubby Broccoli selected him for the role of a British Secret Agent by the name of James Bond. The success in this role made him an international star and afforded him the luxury of having enough financial security to be able to say NO to parts he didn't want. Connery played James Bond in the films DR. NO (1962), FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963), GOLDFINGER (1964), THUNDERBALL (1965), YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967) and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971).
Connery also selected to step away from the role after a time. Much has been written about the why of it and there is no need to go into that here. But even away from the role of 007, he would play some unforgettable characters in THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING, ROBIN AND MARIAN, THE WIND AND THE LION, THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY, OUTLAND, HIGHLANDER, THE NAME OF THE ROSE and his Oscar winning performance in THE UNTOUCHABLES. All of these roles exemplify the actor at his best, portraying heroic yet human characters in dangerous situations.
Of course, it was also a unique opportunity to see Connery return to the role of 007 in the inofficial Bond film NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, which had some good moments for the actor. Yet, his age did lead him to older roles, such as in THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, THE RUSSIA HOUSE and MEDICINE MAN. After his role in THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, he decided he wanted to retire. (Yes, I know, his words were a little rougher, but let's leave it at that.)
One role I would yet like to mention is that when he played the father of Indiana Jones in INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE. Interesting fact is that Sean Connery was only 12 years older than Harrison Ford when he played Indy's father Dr. Henry Jones.
Of course, he was not my first James Bond (I had the good fortune of starting that franchise with THE SPY WHO LOVED ME with Roger Moore). Yet, Connery was the first actor in time to play the part with such success. (No, he also wasn't the first actor as there had been one television version of CASINO ROYALE in the 1950s before but that was not a success.) And although many will debate about who was the best Bond, Connery has always been good friends with Roger Moore. I suppose he would also say: Make up your own mind.
Sean Connery turned 90 last August. He celebrated in the privacy of his own home, without fanfare, without celebrity fuss. He also passed away in the privacy of his own home. No fuss, no fanfare. How he always wanted it.
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