For many, Sean Connery is the quintessential James Bond, the best 007 of all time. Indeed, he gave life to the character based on Ian Fleming’s novels and launched the decades-long film series into worldwide popularity, defining the character for years to come.
Connery played the debonair British spy in seven movies from 1962’s “Dr. No” to 1983’s unofficial Bond film “Never Say Never Again,” and the turning point in his career led to a wide array of popular and critically acclaimed films on his resume and people have plenty to say about it.
Here are 10 quotes about Sean Connery’s iconic role as James Bond:
1. "We all knew this guy had something. We signed him without a screen test. We all agreed: he was 007."
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Producer Harry Saltzman, said of Connery
2. “Connery clearly did a superb job of turning Ian Fleming's character into an indelible film icon, and rarely put a foot wrong (although the less said about his misguided return in “Never Say Never Again,” the better). I was brought up on Connery's Bond. I love Connery's Bond.”
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Boyd Hilton, TV and reviews editor of Heat magazine
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3. “Connery set the style of how Bond looked, dressed, made love, smoked ... drank, handled a gun, drove a car — even what type of car he drove. ... Every Bond since Connery can't help but be compared with him.”
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Charlie Higson, author of the "Young James Bond" books
4. "This Bond image is a problem in a way, and a bit of a bore.”
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Sean Connery, said of his own role in his last reprisal. Overall, though, he said he enjoyed portraying the British spy.
5. “Connery had the sleek self-assurance needed for the role, and a gift with deadpan double entendres. But he had something else that none of the others, save perhaps Dalton, could muster: steely toughness.”
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Roger Ebert, said of Connery as Bond
6. “There's little doubt that 'Dr. No's' strongest attribute remains Connery's almost hypnotic work as Bond, as the actor does a superb job of infusing the character with just the right blend of charisma and bravado.”
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
7. “Connery did define the part, and was defined by it in turn.”
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Lewis Jones, The Telegraph
8. “The original filmmakers were [Albert] Cubby [Broccoli] and Harry [Saltzman], Ian Fleming, Terence Young, and Sean Connery. They all created something extraordinary. They changed cinema history.”
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Barbara Broccoli, daughter of Albert Broccoli and current Bond producer, said of the beginning of the 007 franchise
9. "He's not what I envisioned of James Bond looks. I'm looking for Commander Bond and not an overgrown stunt man."
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Ian Fleming, said upon seeing Connery, who had been cast as Bond, The writer was dubious about how well he would portray the character. However, after seeing “Dr. No,” Fleming warmed up to Connery.
10. "Originally I did not want to take over from Sean Connery. He was far too good, he was wonderful. I was about 24 or 25, which is too young. But when you've seen Bond from the beginning, you don't take over from Sean Connery."
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Timothy Dalton, the fourth actor to play Bond, said in an interview on "Good Morning America." Dalton said he was approached several times by the producers to take over the role. Eventually, he did accept, starring in "The Living Daylights" in 1987.
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