Sir Sean Connery lived a very successful life, taking on roles showing off his infamous skills as an actor. He passed away in his sleep on October 31st at age 90, surrounded by his family and loved ones. One of his most well-known roles was his role asJames Bond in all 7 of the spy thriller movies. As claimed by Daniel Craig on BBC, “Sir Sean was one of the true greats of cinema. He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” Connery was a spectacular actor who touched the lives of many as his persona pulled in his viewers. He impacted cinema in a way that no one else has in the past. This 20th-century movie icon appeared in a film in 1957 called No Road Back. This was the beginning of his career, leading to his role as James Bond. James Bond was a character who he created himself, which made the role feel so authentic. The producers, Michael Wilson, and Barbara Broccli, claimed in BBC, “He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words ‘the name’s Bond… James Bond.” The world felt the effect of his passing on October 31st, and looks back at his life with appreciation and admiration.
Sir Sean Connelly gained his success purely through hard work and determination. He was born into an Edinburgh lower-class family working his way slowly up through the cinema world. Growing up, he held many different jobs before he entered the cinema in the 1950s. He started working at 13 delivering milk to help support his family. Later on, he went to the Navy, played football, became a coffin-polisher, and took a try at modeling. Connery was a very gifted football player, which is illustrated by how he was allowed to play for Manchester United. Later on, he decided to follow his heart and pursued acting instead. As said by Connery himself on American Film Institute, “I had no sense of fear on the stage at all. It seemed right for me.” 5 years after his first role on No Road Back, he was launched into the Bond films. These films gained Connery’s fame for his ability to play a character so unorthodox from what has been previously seen before. After the Bond films, his career was uneventful for many years until his debut in The Untouchables in 1987. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor because of this film. The honors kept coming after this Oscar as seen in 2000 when he was knighted by the Queen for his support for the Scottish National Party. He was passionate and fought for the rights he believed that he people should have. In 2006, he was awarded The American Film Institute Achievement Award and a few years after in 2009 honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University for the achievements throughout his career.
In Connery’s role as James Bond he, “Redefined heroism by injecting subtle humor in what could have been a cold, flat superhero, Connery’s Bond has been the touchstone for all the Bonds and action heroes that followed. Christopher Reeve’s Superman, Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones, Mike Myers’ Austin Powers, and Pixar’s animated Mr. Incredible all grow out of Connery’s off-kilter take on the bloodless fictional character whose job is to save the Western world” as mentioned in the American Film Institute. He created a role that echoed in many other films in proceeding years. Mr. Bond embodied strength and resilience, as seen with many superheroes. He created Mr. Bond from his imagination and ran with this idea pulling on the heartstrings of his devoted viewers with Mr. Bond’s charm. His brilliance and skill are how he gained his audience but his confidence and hard work are what got him where he was. Sir Sean Connery will be missed by those who grew to love him for his many achievements but Mr. Bond will always live on.