Sean Connery Got His 'Final Wish' Despite Dementia Leaving Him Unable To ‘Express Himself’

May 16, 2022 by apost team

The first – and for many, the definitive – 007 of cinema, Sean Connery, passed away on Oct. 31, 2020, at the age of 90 years old. He lived an astounding life filled with accomplishments and had the support of fans, critics and loved ones over his many years in the entertainment industry. It’s safe to say that Connery was truly a legend.

The Scottish actor’s iconic career spanned more than six decades and extended far beyond just playing the suave secret spy, even if his seven portrayals of 007 still remain many James Bond fans’ favorites.

Born on Aug. 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, the actor’s full name was Thomas Sean Connery, but he was known by his middle name long before his acting career began. A keen sportsman in his young adult years, Connery tried various physical activities, including bodybuilding and football, before he took a job working backstage at the King’s Theatre in 1951 to earn extra income.

Shortly after, he became interested in the workings of the theater, and before too long he’d landed bit parts in productions and began to actively pursue larger roles. He soon transitioned to TV and film and eventually landed major roles in the late 1950s, including opposite Lana Turner in “Another Time, Another Place.” But it was his casting as the original screen portrayal of British secret agent James Bond that was his breakthrough.

In his personal life, Connery was married to actress Diane Cilento for more than a decade and then married French-Moroccan painter Micheline Roquebrune in 1975. They were together until his death. However, there were reports that Connery had an affair with singer and songwriter Lynsey de Paul. Let's take a look at the actor's life and career.

It’s clear that Connery had an iconic career. Not only were the Bond movies successful with audiences, but years later Connery's role as Bond would be voted the third greatest hero in cinema history by the American Film Institute. He appeared in the franchise's first five films, followed by two more later on in the series.

And while the Bond films are a major part of Connery's legacy, the actor has an equally impressive resume outside of 007. In 1988, five years after his last Bond film, he even won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the crime film "The Untouchables." Other iconic films of his include "Murder On The Orient Express," "Robin and Marian" with Audrey Hepburn, "The Name of the Rose" and, last but not least, "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade," where he played the titular character’s father.

The Scotsman even received a lifetime achievement award with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1999 and became Sir Sean Connery when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. Other accolades include being named 1989’s Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine and, in 1999, even the Sexiest Man Of The Century.

Connery was married twice — first to actress Diane Cilento, from 1962 to 1973, with whom he had a son. After they separated in 1971, he dated other famous actresses, including Lana Wood, Jill St. John, Carole Mallory and Magda Konopka. But he found true love with his second wife, French-Moroccan artist Micheline Roquebrune, with whom he was married from 1975 until his death in 2020. 

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The couple lived in Nassau, The Bahamas, since the 1990s, and it was at their home that the late actor passed away on October 31, 2020. Soon after his death, Roquebrune revealed that Connery was struggling with dementia late in his life, but that he got his wish to pass away peacefully.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Roquebrune revealed how difficult Connery's last days were for him,

"It was no life for him. He was not able to express himself latterly... He had dementia and it took its toll on him. He got his final wish to slip away without any fuss."

She told The Guardian:

"At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted.”

In a statement to The Independent, Connery's son Jason said that his father "had many of his family around him" before he passed away in Nassau. Jason also added, "We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time." No matter how prepared a person might be for a parent's passing, it is always one of the most painful events in life. 

Jason told the Daily Mail, "It's a very difficult time but already there has been a beautiful outpouring of tributes for him and that is appreciated. It's a sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor."

In another interview around the time of his death, Roquebrune spoke of the wonderful life they had together, calling him "a model of a man." More than just an actor, Connery helped to define masculinity through the lens of cinema, and his contributions are still largely felt in the industry. 

However, there were some controversies surrounding Connery’s personal life, as the Evening Standard reported that he had had an alleged affair with de Paul, a singer-songwriter. De Paul opened up about the affair back in the 1990s when Connery’s first wife claimed she encountered abuse within their relationship. De Paul revealed that she was “disgusted” by Connery’s past actions and attitude toward the difficult topic.

According to the Evening Standard, the affair began back in 1989 after Connery and de Paul met at a party. Even though Roquebrune was there, Connery still flirted with the singer. “I didn’t want to have an affair with him and I tried to keep our relationship platonic but he pursued me relentlessly,” de Paul said.

At first, she didn’t see Connery as her type but was swooned by his “charming” ways. It ended abruptly after several months, and de Paul expressed her regret in 2007.

Despite all the rumors of Connery's infidelity, Connery lived a happy life with Roquebrune and she remained by his side till the very end. She said about her husband, "When I met Sean, I knew I was taking on the whole package. Everyone wants him and I have to accept and understand that." 

Connery lived a truly eventful life and has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His legacy will be remembered for decades. 

Are you a fan of Sean Connery? What is your favorite role of his over the years? Let us know in the comments, then be sure to pass this on to your friends and family so they can honor the late actor too.