Suave Scot Sean Connery turns 80 today and tells a newspaper that his acting days are over.
The landmark anniversary has prompted a general outpouring of love and appreciation in the media for a man best known for his portrayal of super sleuth James Bond. His six official outings as 007 established him as the definitive Bond in many people’s eyes, including his closest rival for the title, Roger Moore.
“I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Sean for having been the best Bond and really launching the Bond phenomenon,” Moore, 82, told the Scottish edition of the Sun tabloid. “And an even bigger thank you for having left after Diamonds (”Diamonds Are Forever”), leaving me the chance to don the tuxedo, pack a Walther PPK, and
romance many beautiful Bond ladies.”
Connery, an Oscar winner for his turn in “The Untouchables”, has been laying low at a time when he was likely to be hounded by the press even more than usual. He did speak to Scotland’s Daily Record, however, from his home in the Bahamas.
“I don’t think I’ll ever act again. I have so many wonderful memories but those days are over,” he was quoted as saying.
One newspaper went so far as to print 80 tidbits about the actor, beginning with the fact that his first bed was the bottom drawer of the family wardrobe and ending with: “In 1993 he appeared on U.S. TV to deny news agency reports that he was dead.”
