Sean Connery rose to worldwide fame as an actor, notably for portraying the iconic character 007 in numerous James Bond movies, including the franchise’s inaugural film.
In 2020, the Scottish actor passed away at 90, leaving behind a grieving world and his wife of 45 years, Micheline Roquebrune.
Having a successful 45-year marriage is a remarkable feat, especially in the entertainment industry. Here’s everything you should know about the love story and life of Sean Connery with his wife.
Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to a mother who worked as a cleaning lady and a father who was a factory worker.
Sean Connery – Early Years
Connery grew up in a tough neighborhood in Edinburgh and left school in his teens to help support his family. He took on various odd jobs, such as delivering milk and working in a coffin factory.
“We were very poor,” he recalled. “But I never knew how poor, because that’s how everyone was there.”
At 17, Connery joined the Royal Navy but had to leave after three years due to a severe ulcer. He then returned to Edinburgh and engaged in a variety of jobs, including being a lifeguard and a mason.
During this time, he went by his birth name, Tom, and even slept at his workplace due to being homeless.
“He wasn’t Sean Connery then, we all knew him as Tom,” shared his colleague Tommy Wark with The Scotsman in 2005.
Becoming ‘Mr. Universe’
After saving enough money, Connery pursued his interest in weightlifting, aiming to impress both women and friends at the gym.
His dedication led him to compete in the Mr. Universe contest in 1953 where he caught the eye of London casting directors, kickstarting his acting journey.
This path led him to a role in a theater company, marking the beginning of his acting career with the name Sean Connery.
Becoming James Bond
After years of small roles, Connery’s breakthrough arrived when he was cast as James Bond in the first film, Dr. No, propelling him to global stardom.
James Bond’s character, created by Ian Fleming in 1953, has become an enduring icon in popular culture, shaping Connery’s legacy in film history.
The Origin of the Name ‘James Bond’
Fleming’s choice of the name James Bond has an interesting story, originating from an ornithological book he came across with an author named James Bond.
“I wanted the simplest, dullest, plainest-sounding name I could think of. James Bond seemed suitable,” Fleming conveyed.
