He may be considered the ultimate 007, but it took him time to find his footing, helped by a director with a taste for high living.
In 1965, at the height of James Bond mania, Sean Connery told Playboy magazine that he had no issue with another actor taking on the iconic role of 007. “Actually, I’d find it interesting to see what someone else does with it,” he said. “Lots of people could play him.” While he was technically correct, the public strongly associated Connery with the character, making it hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Connery, who passed away at 90, remains the definitive James Bond in the eyes of many.
Before Eon Productions perfected the Bond formula, Ian Fleming, the creator of the character, had considered actors like Richard Burton and David Niven for the role. Burton had the necessary grit, while Niven possessed the required charm. However, Connery embodied the perfect blend of toughness, charisma, and sophistication, bringing Fleming’s creation to life in a way that captivated audiences.
Critics and fans continue to debate the merits of the various actors who have played Bond, including Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and even George Lazenby. Despite their strengths, Connery remains the archetype. His appeal, as noted by John Cork and Bruce Scivally in “James Bond: The Legacy,” stemmed from his confidence, natural grace, and authoritative presence, which were both seductive and intimidating.
Connery’s initial roles in films like “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” (1959) and “The Longest Day” (1962) did not initially mark him as the sophisticated secret agent. Born in Edinburgh’s slums, Connery had a rugged, raw quality. Producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman recognized his potential, describing him as “ballsy” and likening his movements to that of a “big jungle cat.”
Director Terence Young played a crucial role in refining Connery’s portrayal of Bond. Young, who was known for his sophisticated lifestyle, helped mold Connery into the suave, ruthless agent. In the first Bond film, “Dr. No” (1962), Connery’s performance was somewhat tentative. However, by “From Russia With Love” (1963), he had grown more comfortable in the role, delivering memorable scenes and one-liners that defined the character.
By the time “Goldfinger” (1964) was released, Connery had fully embraced the Bond persona. The film set the template for future Bond movies, with its blend of action, humor, and sophistication. Connery’s ability to deliver lines like “Shocking … positively shocking” with effortless cool became a hallmark of his portrayal.
Despite his success, Connery grew weary of the role, feeling it did not challenge him as an actor. After “Thunderball” (1965), he called for more attention to character and better dialogue. His dissatisfaction was evident in “You Only Live Twice” (1967), which was heavy on spectacle but light on character development.
Connery briefly left the franchise, only to return for “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971) and later “Never Say Never Again” (1983), a non-Eon production. Despite the mixed reception of these later films, Connery’s presence ensured they retained some of the magic of his earlier work.
Reflecting on his time as Bond, Connery described the role as “a cross, a privilege, a joke, a challenge. And as bloody intrusive as a nightmare.” Yet, for many fans, Connery’s portrayal of James Bond remains the ultimate embodiment of the character, forever etched in the annals of cinematic history.
