In 1962, a tuxedo-clad Sean Connery pulled a cigarette from a silver case, placed it between his lips, and, while lighting his smoke, said three of the most iconic words in film history: “Bond, James Bond.” Even if you’ve never seen Dr. No, the first Bond film, and, by the way, you should absolutely see Dr. No, you can hear that line. Connery’s velvety delivery is part of our cultural canon, and through seven Bond films he came to define not only the 007 character but also the very idea of mid-century cool. Of course, Connery did more than play Bond. His career spanned decades and included an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988’s The Untouchables. He earned knighthood in 2000. Connery died in his sleep at his home in the Bahamas. He was 90.
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Connery heads out for a round of golf on August 29, 1962.
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On the set of Diamonds Are Forever, 1971.
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Relaxing on the set of Diamonds Are Forever.
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Alongside Jill St. John and a couple of ice cream bars on the set of Diamonds Are Forever.
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During the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur (later renamed the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am) golf tournament, Connery reacts to his shot from the rough on the course at Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Florida on January 23, 1969.
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James Bond (Sean Connery) and Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton) share a laugh on the phone in Goldfinger, 1964.
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Brigitte Bardot and Connery pose for a publicity shot during their first meeting in France before filming Shalako, 1968.
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Connery during the Trophée Lancôme golf tournament in 1976.
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Connery shoots some pool at his basement flat in London's NW8, 1962.
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Kicking back in that same London flat.
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"Bond, James Bond." Connery in Dr. No during that now iconic scene.
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With Ursula Andress in 1962 for Dr. No.
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Connery during Celebrity-Police Golf Tournament at Rancho Park in Los Angeles, 1983.
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Connery on the golf courses of 'La Manga del Mar Menor' in 1973, Murcia, Spain.
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On the golf courses of 'La Manga del Mar Menor' again.
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Connery, wearing a striped short sleeves shirt, linen trousers, slippers and sunglasses, sitting on a water taxi with Torcello Island on the background, Venice, circa 1970.
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Connery wearing a pink dressing gown in a publicity still issued for, A Fine Madness, 1966. The comedy, adapted from the novel by Elliott Baker and directed by Irvin Kershner, starred Connery as 'Samson Shillitoe.'
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Connery at the Cannes Film festival on May 24, 1965.
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Relaxing again on the set of Diamonds Are Forever.
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Connery as in Irish miner in the film The Molly Maguires, 1970.