For many people, there was only one actor who symbolized the fictitious secret agent James Bond – Sean Connery. But before the films that made both Connery and Bond famous, there were books and a real-life 007.
Where Bond began: The books of Ian Fleming
Before the James Bond film franchise became a world sensation, the character of agent 007 was well-known before coming to the silver screen in 1962’s Dr. No.
Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 – 12 August 1964) drew on his own experience as a Naval Intelligence Officer in creating the bond character. During the Second World War, Fleming was involved in planning Operation Goldeneye, as well as overseeing two intelligence units.
The first novel written by Fleming was Casino Royale in 1952. And was an immediate success. So much so that three print runs were commissioned to keep up with the demand. Between 1953 in 1966, eleven Bond novels and two collections of short stories followed.
The origin of 007
The character James Bond is known by his famous codename 007. Fleming may have drawn inspiration from real life. Dr. John Dee (1527-1608), a philosopher, alchemist, and mathematician. But Dee was far more than that. He was well learned in numerous subjects.
Because of his brilliance, he was introduced to Queen Elizabeth I at a time in the sixteenth century when the English were at war with the Spanish. He was commissioned to lead a new Secret Service.
Dee was also highly studied in the occult and used a symbol that looked like the numbers 007 similar to as an insignia for his private communiqués between Elizabeth court and himself.
It told everyone that this message was “For Your Eyes Only.” It is said that when Ian Fleming was reading a biography of Dee, he came upon the 007 figures. This is what he used to signify that bond was licensed the kill.
Sean Connery becomes bond
Sean Connery, a one-time bodybuilder, was cast as James Bond for the first film in the franchise, Dr. No.
The BBC wrote: Connery made the character of James Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit.
Connery will go on to play James Bond in five additional ‘official’ films: From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger 1964), Thunderball 1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Connery also played bond in 1983’s ‘unofficial’ Never Say Never Again.
The life and death of Sean Connery
Sir Sean Connery was born as Thomas Connery on August 25, 1930 in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Connery’s acting career spanned seven decades, going far beyond the James Bond character he was originally known for. Connery won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables. His other notable film roles included: The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Rock.
Connery died on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90 in Nassau, Bahamas. His family said Sir Sean Connery died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been “unwell for some time”, his son added in a statement.
