2020 has taken a lot from us – stability, indoor dining, large family gatherings, and our spare bedrooms to name a few. On Halloween, however, Sean Connery became its latest victim. October 31, 2020 is the day that the original 007 passed, and though this obituary is a bit late, we’d like to take a few moments to recognize Connery’s impact on pop culture, and his own personal style.
Early Days & Personal Life
Connery was born Thomas Connery in 1930 Scotland. He was about as blue collar as it gets – his mother was a cleaning woman, and his father was a factory worker. As a school-aged boy, he was a small kid, but by the time he was eighteen, he was 6’2″. His height would later contribute to his appeal as a sex symbol.
As a youth, he worked as a milkman, and then joined the Royal Navy until he was medically discharged at the age of nineteen. Shortly before this occurred, Connery began bodybuilding – the other factor that contributed to his sex appeal. He abandoned bodybuilding, however – he didn’t want to give up other activities that would decrease his muscle mass, namely football (soccer). He was, in fact, offered a position on Manchester United in the early 1950’s, but he declined to pursue acting.
It’s worth noting that, in Connery’s earlier years, he had a reputation for domestic violence (not to mention multiple marriages). He apparently told Vanity Fair in 1993 that, “There are women who take it to the wire. That’s what they are looking for, the ultimate confrontation. They want a smack.”
In what seems to be an instance of maturation and positive change, Connery in 2006 was quoted in the Times of London as saying, “I don’t believe that any level of abuse of women is ever justified under any circumstances. Full stop.”
Film Career
Though he grew disdainful of his association with the franchise, Connery is arguably most famous for his role as James Bond. He played 007 in seven films in the franchise:
- Dr. No
- From Russia with Love
- Goldfinger
- Thunderball
- You Only Live Twice
- Diamonds Are Forever
- Never Say Never Again
It’s worth noting that the American Film Institute selected Connery’s James Bond as the third greatest hero in cinematic history.
From the perspective of an image consultant, Connery underwent some crucial training. Terence Young, who directed Dr. No, heavily coached Connery on the same kinds of things image consultants and etiquette professionals discuss all the time: how to walk, talk, and even how to eat. This polish, when combined with Connery’s Adonis-like physical presence, proved successful. Connery wound up being a major sex symbol, receiving literally thousands of fan letters a week.
Of course, Connery went on to star in many non-Bond films after he departed the role. The Rock, The Hunt for Red October, and Robin and Marian are but a few of his noteworthy roles.
Celebrating Sean Connery’s Style
In addition to be a naturally good-looking guy, Connery could dress. James Bond, of course, is know to be one of the more sartorially advanced characters in film, but even off-camera, he was a bit of a rake, as evidenced by the pictures in this post.
He certainly had a taste for classic men’s tailoring – double-breasted suits, three-pieces, and Scottish formalwear (which he wore while being knighted).
A few years ago, there was a short-lived romper craze. It was more of a novelty that didn’t really take, and it was much maligned. While the jeers weren’t necessarily wrongheaded, Sean Connery made it work in Goldfinger.
Parting Thoughts
The world lost a sartorial heavyweight when Sean Connery passed away. We salute him and his tailored, handsome style.
Curious to dress more like Mr Connery? We can help. Call us at 215-310-0219 or email info@henrydavidsen.com to get started. In the meantime, enjoy these other style and image articles:
