Sean Connery Net Worth

Sean Connery: The Life, Net Worth, and Legacy of a Hollywood Icon

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Sir Sean Connery, born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a true embodiment of the rags-to-riches story. Growing up in Fountainbridge, his early life was marked by humble beginnings. His mother, Euphemia, worked as a laundress, and his father, Joseph, was a truck driver and factory worker. At the age of eight, Sean became a big brother to Neil. As a child, he enjoyed playing tag and soccer, and he showed an early aptitude for mathematics. These formative years laid the foundation for the charismatic and determined individual he would become.

Connery’s journey to stardom was unconventional. He left school at 13 to work, and at 16, he joined the Royal Navy. However, his naval service was cut short due to stomach ulcers, leading to his early discharge at 19. After returning home, he took on various jobs, from laying bricks and shoveling coal to posing for artists at the Edinburgh Art School. This diverse experience exposed him to different facets of life and helped shape his resilience. His physique, honed through weightlifting at the Dunedin Weightlifting Club, caught the eye of a casting director, leading to his entry into the world of acting.

Becoming James Bond: An Iconic Role

Connery’s breakthrough came with the role of James Bond, a character that would define his career and leave an indelible mark on cinema history. In 1962, he stepped into the role of the suave British secret agent in “Dr. No,” the first film in the James Bond franchise. His portrayal of Bond set a new standard for the spy genre, blending sophistication, charm, and a hint of ruthlessness. He went on to star in six more Bond films: “From Russia with Love” (1963), “Goldfinger” (1964), “Thunderball” (1965), “You Only Live Twice” (1967), “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), and “Never Say Never Again” (1983).

His association with the character was so profound that he is often hailed as the greatest James Bond of all time. The role not only brought him international fame and critical acclaim but also significantly impacted his financial standing. It’s reported that he received $16,000 for “Dr. No”, $1.25 million for “Diamonds Are Forever”, and $3 million for “Never Say Never Again.”

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Connery’s portrayal of Bond wasn’t just about the action; he brought a sense of style, wit, and charisma that resonated with audiences worldwide. His Bond was a complex character, capable of both charm and brutality, making him a compelling figure for moviegoers. His impact on the character is so significant that other actors who have played Bond are often compared to his portrayal.

The Lord of the Rings Mistake: A Missed Opportunity

In a surprising twist of fate, Sean Connery famously turned down the role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, a decision that became one of the most talked-about “what ifs” in movie history. At the time, the production of the trilogy was a massive undertaking, with New Line Cinema taking a significant financial risk. With an ambitious budget of $281 million for three films shot back-to-back, the studio needed a major star to guarantee ticket sales. Producers desperately wanted to cast a household name in the crucial role of Gandalf, and Connery was their top choice.

To entice Connery, the producers offered him a salary of $10 million per film, plus an astonishing 15% of the box office revenue for all three movies. However, Connery turned down the part, citing that he “did not understand the script.” The trilogy went on to become a global phenomenon, grossing over $3 billion at the worldwide box office. Had he accepted the role, Connery’s 15% share would have amounted to an estimated $450 million, making this one of the most financially regrettable decisions in Hollywood history.
Estimated Payday

Career Highlights Beyond Bond

While James Bond may be his most recognizable role, Sean Connery had a prolific and diverse acting career spanning several decades. He demonstrated his versatility through a range of roles in more than 70 films. His notable performances include:

• “The Untouchables” (1987): Won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance.
• “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989): Played the role of Indiana Jones’ father.
• “The Hunt for Red October” (1990): Starred in this popular submarine thriller.
• “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974): Showcased his skills in this classic adaptation.
• “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975): Appeared alongside Michael Caine in this adventure film.
• “Highlander” (1986): Played a memorable role in the cult classic.
• “Finding Forrester” (2000): Demonstrated his acting prowess in this acclaimed drama.

He also starred in other films like “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991), for which he donated his $250,000 salary to charity. He retired from acting in 2006 after appearing in “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003), but he continued to contribute to the film industry by voicing the title role in the animated feature “Sir Billi” (2012), which he also produced, and narrating “Ever to Excel,” a documentary about the history of St Andrews University.

Personal Life and Interests

Sean Connery’s personal life was as captivating as his on-screen persona. He was married to actress Diane Cilento in 1962, and they had a son, Jason, who became an actor and director. Their marriage ended in 1971, and Connery later married painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975, with whom he remained until his death, although he had an affair with pop star Lynsey de Paul in 1989.

Beyond his acting career, Connery had diverse interests. He was an avid golfer and owned the Domaine de Terre Blanche in France for 20 years, which was later turned into a luxury golf resort. He also trained in martial arts and earned a black belt in Kyokushin karate. In addition, he was a passionate supporter of Rangers F.C., a Scottish Premiership football club.

Awards and Honors: Recognizing Excellence

Throughout his career, Sean Connery received numerous awards and honors, which reflected his exceptional talent and contributions to the film industry. Some of the notable awards include:

• Academy Award: Won in 1988 for his role in “The Untouchables.”
• Golden Globe Awards: Won three Golden Globes, including one for “The Untouchables,” the Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite (1972), and the Cecil B. DeMille Award (1996).
• BAFTA Award: Recognized for his outstanding performances.
• Lifetime Achievement Awards: Received from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, the American Film Institute, and the European Film Awards.
• Kennedy Center Honor: Awarded in 1999.

Furthermore, he was voted “Scotland’s Greatest Living National Treasure” in a 2011 EuroMillions survey, and he was named “People” magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1989, and later, “Sexiest Man of the Century” 10 years later (at the age of 69), solidifying his status as a timeless icon.

Real Estate, Final Net Worth and Legacy

Connery’s real estate portfolio reflected his success. In 1999, he and his wife sold their home in Marbella, Spain, for €6.4 million. Although luxury apartments were later built on the spot, leading to an investigation for alleged tax evasion, Connery was cleared of any wrongdoing. He also owned homes in Greece and the Bahamas, the latter of which included King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as a neighbor. At the time of his death on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90, Sean Connery’s net worth was estimated at $350 million. Sir Sean Connery’s legacy extends beyond his numerous accolades and financial success; he remains an enduring symbol of cinematic excellence, style, and charisma.