Sir Sean Connery, the legendary Scottish actor, and producer, had an estimated net worth of $350 million at the time of his death in 2020. Known globally for his role as James Bond, Connery’s prolific career spanned decades and included numerous awards and accolades. His contribution to the film industry and his entrepreneurial ventures established him as one of the wealthiest and most influential actors of his time.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Sean Connery was born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland. His mother, Euphemia, was a laundress, and his father, Joseph, was a truck driver and factory worker. Connery, known as “Tommy” in his early years, grew up in a modest household and developed a passion for sports and fitness. He dropped out of school at the age of 13 to work at a dairy and later joined the Royal Navy at 16. However, he was discharged at 19 due to stomach ulcers.
Upon returning to Edinburgh, Connery worked various jobs, including bricklaying, shoveling coal, and posing for art students at the Edinburgh Art School. His interest in bodybuilding led him to compete in the Mr. Universe contest in 1953, where he placed third in the tall men’s division. This exposure opened doors for him in the entertainment industry, and he soon landed a role in a London production of “South Pacific,” marking the beginning of his acting career.
Rise to Fame and Iconic Roles
Connery’s early career included several theater productions and television roles. His first film appearance was in “No Road Back” (1957), and he gained significant attention with his starring role in the BBC’s “Requiem For a Heavyweight.” However, it was his portrayal of British secret agent James Bond in “Dr. No” (1962) that catapulted him to international stardom. Connery’s charismatic and suave depiction of Bond set the standard for the character and earned him widespread acclaim.
He continued to play James Bond in six more films: “From Russia with Love” (1963), “Goldfinger” (1964), “Thunderball” (1965), “You Only Live Twice” (1967), “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), and “Never Say Never Again” (1983). Connery reportedly earned $16,000 for “Dr. No,” $1.25 million for “Diamonds Are Forever,” and $3 million for “Never Say Never Again.”
Beyond James Bond, Connery’s filmography includes notable roles in “The Untouchables” (1987), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990). His diverse roles showcased his versatility and solidified his reputation as a talented and respected actor.
Financial Success and Missed Opportunities
Connery’s financial success extended beyond his acting career. In addition to his film salaries, he made significant earnings through savvy investments and business ventures. However, one of the most notable missed opportunities in his career was turning down the role of Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Producers offered Connery $10 million per film plus 15% of the box office gross, which would have amounted to an estimated $450 million. Connery declined the offer, stating he did not understand the script.
Despite this missed opportunity, Connery’s career remained highly lucrative. His role in “The Untouchables” alone earned him an Academy Award, and he continued to command substantial salaries for his performances. For example, he donated his $250,000 salary from “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991) to charity.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento in 1962, and they had a son, Jason, before separating in 1971. He later married painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975, and they remained together until his death. Connery was known for his love of golf and martial arts, holding a black belt in Kyokushin karate. He was also an avid supporter of Rangers F.C., a Scottish Premiership football club.
Throughout his life, Connery owned several properties around the world. In 1999, he and Micheline sold their home in Marbella, Spain, for €6.4 million. The sale led to an investigation for alleged tax evasion, from which Connery was cleared, but Micheline faced charges. Connery also owned homes in Greece and the Bahamas, with his Greek property being adjacent to that of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
Awards and Honors
Connery’s illustrious career earned him numerous awards and honors. In 1988, he won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his role in “The Untouchables.” He also received the Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite (1972) and the Cecil B. DeMille Award (1996) from the Golden Globes. Connery earned 38 major awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, the American Film Institute, and the European Film Awards. In 1999, he was awarded a Kennedy Center Honor.
In addition to his professional accolades, Connery was recognized as a cultural icon. He was voted “Scotland’s Greatest Living National Treasure” in a 2011 EuroMillions survey and was named “People” magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1989 and “Sexiest Man of the Century” in 1999.
Legacy and Final Years
Sean Connery’s legacy extends beyond his film career. His influence on the James Bond franchise and the broader film industry is immeasurable. Connery’s portrayal of Bond remains the benchmark against which all other actors are measured, and his contributions to cinema are celebrated worldwide.
Connery retired from acting in 2006, with his last film being “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003). Despite his retirement, he continued to contribute to the entertainment industry, voicing the title role in the animated feature “Sir Billi” (2012) and narrating the documentary “Ever to Excel” about Scotland’s St Andrews University.
Connery passed away on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90. His death marked the end of an era, but his impact on film and popular culture endures. Sir Sean Connery’s net worth of $350 million at the time of his passing reflects his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he left behind.
