Sean Connery was a cultural icon. The man who made James Bond a household name, the beat cop who helped take down Al Capone, the only criminal to break INTO a high security prison…the roles go on and on. On October 31st, 2020, Sean Connery died at age 90. Even though he has been out of the limelight for almost a decade (he chose to enjoy a well deserved retirement) his over 60 years of film and television appearances will live on for future generations.
Here are my Top Five Sean Connery roles, in no particular order
Dr. No
Whether you think Connery was the best Bond or not, it’s hard to argue that his take on the suave secret agent isn’t one of the best pieces of cinema history. For me, Dr. No is the best of the Bond films. Period. This is the one that will get me to stay up late or set my alarm to watch during a Bond marathon. This was the ultimate in “cool” for a Midwestern kid growing up and saying, “Bond, James Bond,” into my mirror at home.
The Untouchables
Reintroducing Sean Connery to cinema audiences, he plays a different type of role here. He isn’t the lead, he isn’t the young one – instead, Connery plays a Chicago beat cop who might be one of a handful of law enforcement agents in the Midwest who isn’t corrupted. Street smarts make him the most valuable asset on the team. Amazing movie, one of the best.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
This was the movie that really introduced me to how awesome Sean Connery was. His portrayal of Henry Jones Sr is perfect. This role allowed Connery to play up his comedic timing. An amazing cast, an amazing story and one heckuva adventure!
Darby O’Gil and the Little People
He sings! He woos! He sees a leprechaun! This Walt Disney classic is a great film for the whole family and one of Connery’s first roles. More fun than you can imagine and the effects are incredibly impressive considering that there wasn’t any help from a computer – but instead, a talented team of technicians.
The Rock
An icon of 90’s action. This Michael Bay film is still as fun to watch today as it was in the summer of 1996. Proving that he was still an action star and the most manly guy on the planet, Connery plays a crook who was the only man to ever escape Alcatraz Prison. The government needs him to break IN this time to stop a team of mercenaries from destroying San Fransisco. Action, some humor and Connery make for a great two hours of entertainment!
Honorable Mentions:
Medicine Man
The Hunt for Red October
Dragonheart
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