Sean Connery was the first actor to play James Bond on-screen
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Sean-Connery-JJames-Bond-Goldfinger-1964-683407d906074b89a25e5a620c4c324d.jpg "Sean Connery poses as James Bond next to his Aston Martin DB5 during the filming of 'Goldfinger")
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Sean Connery originated the role of James Bond on the big screen.
While Barry Nelson appeared as 007 in a 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royale, Connery was the first actor to portray the iconic character in a movie. He starred in six films by Eon Productions, including Dr. No, Goldfinger and Thunderball.
Connery’s last appearance in the official franchise was 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever. He later reprised his role in the 1983 independent production, Never Say Never Again.
Speaking to Variety in 2002, Connery shared that the movies brought a dose of humor to the beloved character created by author Ian Fleming.
“It was refreshing and had a certain kind of style, although it didn’t cost anything because we only had a million to make the picture,” he said of the first film in the franchise, Dr. No (via IndieWire).
The actor continued, “Well, I took it seriously on one level, which was one had to be menacing, one had to be strong enough to do all this stuff. Or seem old enough to do it. And the humor was one element that was missing from the books of Fleming himself.”
Here are 10 vintage photos from Sean Connery’s James Bond sets.
01 of 10
Secret Agents
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Connery’s 007 teamed up with CIA agent Felix Leiter, played by Jack Lord, in 1962’s Dr. No.
The two were pictured on set wearing coordinating suits.
02 of 10
007
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In 1963, Connery filmed From Russia with Love in various locations across Europe.
He posed for the camera in typical Bond attire, which included a suit, black sunglasses and a trilby hat.
03 of 10
On Guard
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From Russia with Love costars Connery and Daniela Bianchi, who played Bond’s love interest Tatiana Romanova, were snapped side-by-side on set.
04 of 10
Quick Touch-Up
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During a break from filming the 1964 film Goldfinger, Connery got his hair touched up by a hairstylist while other crew members adjusted the set around him.
05 of 10
Slick Ride
Credit: Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
The Aston Martin DB5 has become an iconic symbol of the Bond franchise.
The car first appeared in Goldfinger, and Connery was photographed standing next to it in a brown suit.
06 of 10
Stunt Work
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Connery performed some of his own stunts on the set of Goldfinger.
In one behind-the-scenes photo, he practiced for a stunt with his costar Honor Blackman, who played iconic Bond girl Pussy Galore.
07 of 10
Ready to Dive
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Shooting Thunderball also required Connery to spend some time in the water and in the air.
He was pictured on set wearing diving gear while taking a helicopter ride.
08 of 10
Sin City
Credit: Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Connery filmed on location in Las Vegas for a scene from the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever.
He was photographed in front of The Mint, a historic hotel and casino that later shut down in 1988.
09 of 10
Poolside Break
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Connery took a break on the set of the sixth Bond film to lounge poolside while reading a copy of Time.
10 of 10
Final Film
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In 1983, Connery returned to the James Bond franchise for the independent film Never Say Never Again.
He starred in the movie alongside Kim Basinger, who played Domino, and the two were photographed while filming a scene in evening wear.
