Sean Connery as 007: 13 Candid Photos of Bond in His Prime

      Here are 13 behind-the-scenes photos of Sean Connery — the original and finest James Bond, known as 007 — to appear on the big screen.

      A Working-Class Spy

      United Artists

      Nicholas Shakespeare’s remarkable new biography, Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, delves into the life of the creator of James Bond and discusses how Sean Connery was selected for the role.

      Shakespeare notes: “Connery’s upbringing – as a naval boxer, lifeguard, and art class model – worked to his advantage. He grew up in a Scottish slum, similar to Ian’s grandfather. His father was a truck driver, while his mother worked as a cleaning lady.”

      He further adds: “Noteworthy biographical facts include that he had delivered milk to Bond’s second school, Fettes, and performed as an aristocratic diplomat in Pirandello’s Naked at the Oxford Playhouse.”

      Above, Fleming is seen on the left with Connery on the right, during the filming of the first Bond movie, 1962’s Dr. No.

      The Right Man for the Job?

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      According to Shakespeare’s book, Fleming’s film agent, Robert Fenn, revealed that Fleming was initially taken aback because Connery “couldn’t speak the Queen’s English.” Fleming reportedly remarked, “He’s not my idea of Bond at all; I just want an elegant man, not this roughneck.”

      Later in the book, it is mentioned that Fleming referred to Connery as an “over-developed stuntman” and questioned whether he possessed “the social graces” to embody his character.

      Above, Connery is being fitted for 1962’s From Russia With Love.

      License to Kill

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Fleming, clearly, needed a woman’s insight. His friend Ivar Bryce’s cousin, Janet Milford Haven, was known for her ability to assess people — particularly men — and shared her opinion following lunch with Fleming and Connery.

      What did she think of Connery?

      “I said, ‘I think that fellow is divine. He’s not overly attractive, he appears masculine, he looks like a proper man who would lead that kind of life. He seems very clever, as if he would know how to handle everything, including killing,” according to Haven’s remarks in Shakespeare’s book.

      Above: Connery with Shirley Eaton in Goldfinger.

      A Real Charmer

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Shakespeare writes that Fleming eventually became convinced Connery was the right choice for Bond, stating to his muse and mistress, Blanche Blackwell: “The man they have chosen for Bond, Sean Connery, is a real charmer — relatively unknown but a competent actor with the right appearance and physique.”

      Above: Sean Connery with Ursula Andress and Fleming in a promotional photo for Dr. No.

      Athleticism

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Regardless of whether he was an “over-developed stuntman,” Connery’s athleticism was crucial to his portrayal of 007.

      Above, he enjoys a playful moment on a Jamaican beach with Ursula Andress, who portrayed Honey Ryder in Dr. No.

      Here are 13 Behind the Scenes Images of Ursula Andress in Dr. No.

      Chemistry

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      His chemistry with Andress in Dr. No played a significant role in the success of the inaugural Bond film and would set a standard for Bond's interactions with future “Bond girls.”

      This chemistry was evident, even though Andress’ voice was dubbed in the film. (Andress spoke several languages, including French, German, and Italian, but her English had an accent.)

      “He was very protective of me, he was charming, fantastic,” Andress recalled in a 2020 interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera after Connery's passing at 90. “He adored women; he was undoubtedly very much a man.”

      Friends

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Andress, who was married to John Derek when filming Dr. No, shared in her Corriere della Sera interview about her bond with Connery:

      “We spent many evenings together, and he would invite me everywhere—Monte Carlo, London, New York. Since we met, we have always stayed friends. Friends, friends.”

      Good as Gold

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      Connery portrayed Bond across seven films in total. What’s the greatest of them all? In our view, it's 1964’s Goldfinger, where Connery starred alongside Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore.

      Above, they rehearse a notorious scene that, let’s acknowledge, hasn't aged well.

      Here Are 12 Behind the Scenes Images From Goldfinger.

      Shakespeare

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      While later Bond portrayals would emphasize the campier elements of the character, Connery approached him with seriousness. He once declared that “playing Bond is just as