The extraordinary success of Goldfinger (1964), which was released in December 1964, and of 1965's Thunderball (1965) propelled Connery to the top of Quigley Publications' annual Top Ten Money Making Stars poll in 1965. He remains the only British male star to be the #1 box office star in America.
Took dancing lessons for 11 years. His teacher was the Swedish dancer Yat Malmgren.
Turned down Patrick McGoohan's role as King Edward I in Braveheart (1995) because he was filming Just Cause (1995).
Turned down Richard Chamberlain's role in "Shogun" (1980) because he would not act on television.
Turned down the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings series (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)) because he didn't want to film down in New Zealand for 18 months, and could not understand the novels.
Turned down the role of John Hammond in Jurassic Park (1993). Coincidentally, his Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) co-star, Harrison Ford, was offered the role of Dr. Alan Grant. Not to mention, it would've reunited both of them with director Steven Spielberg.
Turned down the role of Simon Gruber in Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995) due to the diabolical nature of the character. Director John McTiernan, who directed Connery in The Hunt for Red October (1990), said he was the very first choice for that role.
Turned down the role of the Architect in The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003).
Turned down the title role in the original The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), which he later admitted was a huge mistake on his part.
Underwent surgery at a New York hospital to remove a tumour from his kidney in January 2006. Connery's brother Neil said, "As far as I'm led to believe the tumour was benign. He seems to be quite upbeat about it."
Used to live in Marbella, Spain, near a golf course where he played daily when not filming. He left following disagreements with the local press, and now resides in the Bahamas where he plays golf much less frequently.
Voted 'Sexiest Man of the Century' by People Magazine. [1999]
Voted Best British Actor of all time in a poll for Sky TV [Feb 2005].
Was a good friend of Sir Michael Caine and the late Richard Harris.
Was delighted to be honored with the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, which he will receive on June 8 2006 in Los Angeles, as he was honored despite his reputation as a harsh critic of the movie industry. "It means a tremendous amount, especially because of some of the things I have said about Hollywood."
Was offered the role of Robert Elliott by Brian De Palma in Dressed to Kill (1980) and was enthusiastic about it, but declined on account of previously acquired commitments.
Was once stopped for speeding by an officer named Sergeant James Bond.
Was paid a huge sum to return as James Bond for Diamonds Are Forever (1971), setting a record. It was donated to his Scottish charity.
Was seriously considered for the role of King Philip of Macedonia in Oliver Stone's Alexander (2004).
Was the original choice to play Sybock in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). The words in the film "Sha Ka Ree" are a play on his name.