Sean Connery as 007: 12 Behind-the-Scenes Photos of Bond at His Finest

      Here are 12 behind-the-scenes images of Sean Connery — the original and finest James Bond, also known as 007 — who graced the big screen.

      From his first appearance in Dr. No to his unexpected return in Never Say Never Again, Connery embodied Ian Fleming’s suave, witty secret agent and set the benchmark for all future James Bond portrayals.

      Here are the behind-the-scenes shots of Sean Connery’s 007.

      A Working-Class Spy

      United Artists

      Nicholas Shakespeare’s impressive new biography, Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, delves into the life of the author behind James Bond — and also recounts how Sean Connery was cast in the role.

      Shakespeare points out: “Connery’s upbringing — as a naval boxer, lifeguard, and art class model — was a valuable asset. Raised in a Scottish slum like Ian’s grandfather, his father worked as a truck driver and his mother as a cleaning lady.”

      He continues: "Among notable biographical facts: He had delivered milk to Bond’s secondary school, Fettes, and performed at the Oxford Playhouse as an aristocratic diplomat in Pirandello’s Naked."

      In the above image, Fleming is on the left with Connery on the right, on the set of the first Bond film, 1962’s Dr. No.

      The Right Man for the Job?

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      According to Shakespeare’s book, Fleming’s film agent, Robert Fenn, noted that Fleming was initially taken aback since Connery “couldn’t articulate the Queen’s English.” Fleming remarked, “He’s not what I envision as Bond at all; I want an elegant man, not this rough individual.”

      Later, Fleming would refer to Connery as an “over-developed stuntman” and questioned whether he possessed “the social graces” to portray his character.

      In the image above, Connery is being fitted for the role in 1962’s From Russia With Love.

      License to Kill

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      Fleming clearly required a woman’s perspective on Connery. His friend Ivar Bryce’s cousin, Janet Milford Haven, known for her discernment regarding people — especially men — provided her thoughts after having lunch with Fleming and Connery.

      What did she think of Connery?

      “I said, ‘I think that guy is divine. He’s not overly handsome, he appears masculine, like a real man accustomed to that lifestyle. He looks intelligent and capable of handling everything, even killing,’” Haven stated, as cited in Shakespeare’s book.

      In the image above: Connery with Shirley Eaton in Goldfinger.

      A Real Charmer

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      Shakespeare mentions that Fleming eventually became convinced that Connery was the ideal Bond, writing to his muse and lover, Blanche Blackwell: “the man they’ve chosen for Bond, Sean Connery, is a charming individual – relatively unknown but a talented actor with the right looks and physique.”

      In the above image, Sean Connery is pictured with Ursula Andress and Fleming in a promotional shot for Dr. No.

      Athleticism

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      Regardless of being labeled an "over-developed stuntman," Connery's athleticism was crucial to his portrayal of 007.

      In the image above, he enjoys himself on a Jamaican beach with Ursula Andress, the actress who played Honey Ryder in Dr. No.

      Check out 13 Behind the Scenes Images of Ursula Andress in Dr. No.

      Chemistry

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      His chemistry with Andress in Dr. No significantly contributed to the first Bond film's success and established a template for Bond’s interactions with numerous future “Bond girls.”

      This chemistry was evident despite the fact that Andress’ voice was dubbed for the part. (Andress speaks several languages, including French, German, and Italian, but her English had an accent.)

      “He was very protective toward me, he was charming, and fantastic,” Andress reflected in a 2020 interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera following Connery's passing at 90. “He loved women; he was undoubtedly very much a man.”

      Friends

      United Artists – Credit: C/O United Artists

      Andress, who was married to John Derek during the filming of Dr. No, remarked about Connery in her interview with the Corriere della Sera:

      “We spent many evenings together, and he would invite me everywhere — Monte Carlo, London, New York. From the moment we met until now, we've always remained friends. Friends, friends.”

      Good as Gold

      United Artists

      Connery portrayed Bond in a total of seven films. Which one ranks as the best? In our opinion, it’s 1964’s Goldfinger, where Connery stars alongside Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore.

      Above, they rehe