Heartfelt condolence to Sir Thomas Sean Connery's family and friends for the passing of a great legend.

In honour of of of the most iconic actor, I would like to list some things that you probably don't know about this legend.

#1: He Was Known As Tommy

During his childhood, he was known as Tommy and later 'Big Tam' in his teen. 

#2: He Worked As Nude Model And A Casket Polisher

After being discharged from the Navy at the aged 19 due to duodenal ulcer, he had multiple odd-jobs including a nude model for the Edinburgh College of Art and a coffin polisher. Sir Sean Connery earned 15 shillings an hour (about USD40/hour in today's value) from his modelling job and was described too beautiful for words, a virtual Adonis. 

Sean Connery In Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)

#3: His First Major Break Was In A Disney Movie

In 1959, Connery appeared in Darby O’Gill and the Little People, a story about an Irishman and his quest to beat leprechauns. 

#4: He Turned Down Two Iconic Movie Role

Connery turned down the role, Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings and the Architect in Matrix because he found it difficult to understand the script. The role Gandalf is estimated to be USD 450 million in total. 

#3: He Only Has One Oscar

Despite being a veteran and icon in the movie industry, he only has one Oscar, but he has received many awards from BAFTAs, Golden Globes. 

#5: Connery's Salary For Diamonds Are Forever Set A World Record At That Time

Sean Connery's base salary was USD1.2 Million plus 12.5% of net  U.S. profit, totalling USD6.7 Million dollars (approximately USD40 Million in today's value). At that time, it was the highest single-movie payday. Nowadays, a lot more actor top that figure, with Bruce Willis approximately USD100 million (approximately USD155 Million in today's value) in his role for the movie Sixth Sense. Connery, in the end, donated his entire salary to his foundation. 

Sean Connery in his younger days Image source via scottishjuniorfa.com

#6: He Turned Down The Opportunity To Become A Professional Football Player

According to reports, Matt Busby (who managed Machester United) was impressed with Connery and offered him a contract worth £25 a week (approximate to £700 in 2020). Connery declined and decided to be an actor. He later quoted that it is one of the most intelligent decisions he had made.  

#7: Steven Seagal Broke Sean Connery's Wrist 

American actor Steven Seagal broke Sean Connery's wrist when there were training together during the film 1993 Bond Film, Thunderball. Seagal was trying to teach him Aikido in his apartment, but Connery got too cocky on his defence, and Seagal accidentally hitting Connery at a bad angle. 

#8: Sean Connery Wore A Toupee For All His Bond Roles

He started to lose his hair at an early age of 17, a trait that runs in the family.  Connery expresses that he was not too concern about his baldness; hence, he refuses to wear toupee in his everyday life and the rest of the film other than the Bond movies. 

#9: Connery Shut Down His Production Company in 2002

Sean Connery opened the Fountainbridge Films in 1992 which produced firms like The Rock, Finding Forrester and Entrapment starring Catherine Zeta-Jones. Connery claimed that he wishes to concentrate on his acting career, although it was rumoured to have friction with his business partner Rhona Tollefson. 

#10: Sean Connery Is The Richest British Actor

Connery is reported to have a net worth of USD 350 million, which is far richer than the second on the list, Sir Anthony Hopkins with a net worth of USD 160 million. Rowan Atkinson comes in third with USD 130 million. 

We will all remember this legend, Sir Thomas Sean Connery and his role in especially James Bond and my personal favourite, King Arthur.

May you rest in peace.