Sean Connery

Sean Connery is a Scottish-born actor best known for his performances as the debonair secret agent, James Bond. Connery was born to Protestant and Catholic parents in Edinburgh, Scotland and was revered for his good looks from an early age. In 1950, he represented Scotland in the international male modeling competition, Mr. Universe. His charismatic stage manner led him to opportunities in movies.

His role as James Bond came in 1962 in the film Dr. No. Following his success as the titular spy, Connery starred in From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever. Connery won the role as Special Agent 007 after other actors, such as Carry Grant and Roger Moore, were counted out.

Connery so influenced the James Bond franchise that the Bond creator, Ian Fleming, revised the history of the super spy, declaring him half Scottish in origin. Connery was paid $1.25 million for his work in his 1969 James Bond role In Her Majesty's Secret Service. He has championed Scottish independence and devoted money and time to Scottish homegrown movie productions as well as to programs to aid poor children in Edinburgh.

In July of 2000, Connery was officially knighted. In late 2004, Connery retired from the film business to write his autobiography. His magnetic appeal and good looks have only increased as the years have gone by. Indeed, Connery is still considered a sex symbol long after most men of his generation have passed their prime.