Post by Alec 006 on Aug 25, 2009 19:36:23 GMT -5
The original 007, Sir Sean Connery, celebrates his 79th birthday today, August 25th, 2009.
He was born Thomas Sean Connery in Edinburgh, Scotland on 25th August 1930.
Made famous for his big-screen role as James Bond, the Academy Award winning actor played the famous spy in the first five consecutive films produced by EON from "Dr No" (1962) until "You Only Live Twice" (1967). He returned to the role for a sixth time in the seventh film in the series "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), and again 12 years later in the 'rival' 1983 outing "Never Say Never Again".
His first job out of school was as a milkman, then at the young age of 16, he enrolled in the Navy where he received his patriotic tattoos like many of his peers. He spent three years in the armed forces where he was kept at a high level of fitness. At the end of his third year in the forces he was released from the services and returned to his city of birth to try his hand in various labour-based career paths including bricklaying, truck driving, and even as a coffin pusher for an undertaker.
His work in these labouring roles left Connery with an impressive physique. This, and perhaps a stroke of happenstance, lead him to his entry in 1950 Mr. Universe competition. In the event Connery beat out a variety of professional male models to win third place.
With a spark of fame and very little of a career elsewhere, the modeling path proved successful for Connery. He quickly won a place in the touring cast of Rogers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific", after attending an audition on advice of fellow Mr. Universe competitor Johnny Isaacs. The aspiring model and actor spent several years on the stage before his television debut in 1956.
Even whilst Connery was paving the way as an actor he found another option to pursue. As a keen footballer, Connery was offered a trial with the East Fife soccer club, but declined fearing the career may have been too short-lived.
"I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23. I decided to become an actor and it turned out to be one of my more intelligent moves."
Yes, Sir Sean. An intelligent move indeed!!!
He was born Thomas Sean Connery in Edinburgh, Scotland on 25th August 1930.
Made famous for his big-screen role as James Bond, the Academy Award winning actor played the famous spy in the first five consecutive films produced by EON from "Dr No" (1962) until "You Only Live Twice" (1967). He returned to the role for a sixth time in the seventh film in the series "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), and again 12 years later in the 'rival' 1983 outing "Never Say Never Again".
His first job out of school was as a milkman, then at the young age of 16, he enrolled in the Navy where he received his patriotic tattoos like many of his peers. He spent three years in the armed forces where he was kept at a high level of fitness. At the end of his third year in the forces he was released from the services and returned to his city of birth to try his hand in various labour-based career paths including bricklaying, truck driving, and even as a coffin pusher for an undertaker.
His work in these labouring roles left Connery with an impressive physique. This, and perhaps a stroke of happenstance, lead him to his entry in 1950 Mr. Universe competition. In the event Connery beat out a variety of professional male models to win third place.
With a spark of fame and very little of a career elsewhere, the modeling path proved successful for Connery. He quickly won a place in the touring cast of Rogers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific", after attending an audition on advice of fellow Mr. Universe competitor Johnny Isaacs. The aspiring model and actor spent several years on the stage before his television debut in 1956.
Even whilst Connery was paving the way as an actor he found another option to pursue. As a keen footballer, Connery was offered a trial with the East Fife soccer club, but declined fearing the career may have been too short-lived.
"I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23. I decided to become an actor and it turned out to be one of my more intelligent moves."
Yes, Sir Sean. An intelligent move indeed!!!
Happy Birthday to Sean. Tha't a great piece too Alec.
