What was Sean Connery's Net Worth and Salary?
Sir Sean Connery, a prolific Scottish actor and producer, amassed a net worth of $350 million by the time of his passing in 2020. Best known for his portrayal of James Bond, Connery's illustrious career spanned several decades, earning him an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and a BAFTA Award. He starred in over 70 films, including classics like "The Untouchables" (1987), "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), and "The Hunt for Red October" (1990). Connery starred in seven James Bond films, becoming iconic in the role. During his life, he was dubbed "The Greatest Living Scotsman" and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2000. Sean Connery passed away on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90.
Lord of the Rings Mistake
Sean Connery infamously declined the role of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, possibly one of the worst role rejections in cinema history. At the time, the franchise was viewed as a high-risk venture, with a budget of $281 million. Producers sought a big-name star to boost the film's appeal, and Connery was their top choice. To entice him, they offered $10 million per film and 15% of the box office earnings for all three movies. Connery turned down the part as he "did not understand the script." The trilogy eventually grossed $3 billion worldwide, which would have translated into an estimated $450 million for Connery.
Early Life
Thomas Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland to Euphemia, a laundress, and Joseph, a truck driver and factory worker. Connery, initially known as "Tommy," became an older brother at the age of eight to Neil. During his youth, Connery showed a strong aptitude for mathematics at Tollcross Elementary School and enjoyed playing tag and soccer.
Connery left school at 13 to work at a dairy and joined the Royal Navy at 16. He returned to civilian life at 19 due to stomach ulcers and took on various jobs, including laying bricks, shoveling coal, and posing for artists at Edinburgh Art School. He joined the Dunedin Weightlifting Club, placing third in the Mr. Universe contest's tall men's division in 1953. A casting director in the audience offered him a role in a London production of "South Pacific," which cemented his interest in an acting career.
Career
Connery's career began with several theatre productions and a television debut in "Dixon of Dock Green" in 1956. He made his film debut in "No Road Back" (1957). His first starring role was in the BBC's "Requiem For a Heavyweight" later that year. Connery starred in notable early films like "Another Time, Another Place" (1957), "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" (1958), and "Macbeth" (1961). In 1962, he landed his most iconic role: British secret agent James Bond in "Dr. No." Connery's portrayal of Bond spanned seven movies, including "From Russia with Love" (1963), "Goldfinger" (1964), "Thunderball" (1965), "You Only Live Twice" (1967), "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), and "Never Say Never Again" (1983). He even reprised the role in 2005 for the "From Russia with Love" video game.
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Connery also starred in films like "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974), "The Man Who Would Be King" (1975), "Highlander" (1986), and "Finding Forrester" (2000). His last film before retiring was "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003). Connery lent his voice to "Sir Billi" in 2012, and narrated "Ever to Excel."
Personal Life
Connery was married to actress Diane Cilento in 1962, and they had a son, Jason, before divorcing in 1971. He married painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975 and remained with her until his death, although he had an affair with pop star Lynsey de Paul in 1989. Connery was an avid golfer and owned a luxury golf resort in France before selling it to billionaire Dietmar Hopp. He also practiced martial arts and was a fan of Rangers F.C.
Awards and Honors
Connery's accolades include an Academy Award for "The Untouchables" (1988) and two additional Golden Globes. He earned 38 major awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1999. Connery was named "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure" in 2011 and "People" magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1989.
Real Estate
In 1999, Connery and his wife sold their Marbella, Spain home for €6.4 million. Luxury apartments were later built on the property, leading to a tax fraud investigation in which Connery was cleared, but Micheline was charged. The couple owned properties in Greece and the Bahamas, and their neighbor in Greece was King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
