Sir Sean Connery is without a doubt one of cinema’s most iconic performers. Most fans know him as the very first James Bond of the Eon era, a role he has reprised several times across eight films including 1983’s non-Eon film, Never Say Never Again. He then returned to the role for one last time in 2005’s From Russia with Love Video game. For me, I knew him as Henry Jones Sr. in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a poetic choice for the role considering how Indiana Jones came about in part due to Steven Spielberg’s desire to make a James Bond film. Unfortunately, this icon has passed on at the age of 90 in the Bahamas, his family by his side.
Throughout his storied career, he was so much more than just Indy’s Dad or 007. Whether it was Hunt for Red October, The Untouchables, or 1996’s The Rock, Connery always brought a sense of class, charisma, and respect both behind and in front of the camera. Amiably, when the studio was thinking of firing Michael Bay from the aforementioned Nicolas Cage action film, Connery told the studio that the director was doing great and to leave him be, a story that Bay himself reiterated in a recent Op-Ed. In addition, he always ensured that his thoughts enhanced the piece, something that was of particular note in the aforementioned 1983 bond film, having his hand in many things behind the scenes.
Later Years
While his on-camera film career ended with the somewhat underwhelming Alan Moore adaptation, it was always great to hear that Connery was enjoying himself throughout his retirement; at one point, he even did a cameo in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull calling retirement too much damn fun, coming back to film briefly for Sir Billi the Vet. The passing of a legend like Connery is always a sad occasion, but it’s important to remember that Sean Connery is emblematic of a life well-lived, whose work will live on for years to come. We here at Marooner’s Rock offer our condolences to Connery’s family.
What was your favorite Connery performance? Let us know on our social media pages.
