Sean Connery, James Bond Actor, Dies Aged 90

Actor Sean Connery has died. The actor who was first to play James Bond on screen died in his sleep on Friday night (October 30, 2020) at his home in the Bahamas.

The Scotsman had humble beginnings. He left school and began working at age 13 during WWII in order to help support his family. Born on Aug. 25, 1930, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Fountainbridge, Scotland. He slept in a drawer as a baby as his parents couldn’t afford a crib.

“My background was harsh,” Connery said. “We were poor, but I never knew how poor till years after. It sounds strange to say it now,” he said in an interview with The Scottish Sun, “but we never realized we lacked anything!”

After working as a steel bender, milkman, cement mixer among other jobs, he joined the British navy for three years. After his discharge from the navy, Connery worked as a lifeguard, bricklayer, and even a coffin polisher. He took up bodybuilding and it was while participating in a Mr. Universe competition in 1953, that he heard about an audition for “South Pacific”. He won a small role. Acting would start him on the path that would lead him into the iconic role that would make him an international superstar – Agent 007, James Bond. In later years he earned an Oscar for his role in the Untouchables.

During his acceptance speech for the Golden Globe lifetime achievement award, which he received in 1996, Connery told the audience:

“I’ve made a lot of films, some of which I’ve forgotten, and some of which I’ve tried to forget. But in the course of this strange thing we call a career, I’ve traveled to scores of exotic places, I’ve met many interesting people, kissed dozens of beautiful women, and have actually been very well paid for it, and I am most grateful.”

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