Connery periodically escaped Bondage to tackle a wider range of roles in other features, such as Alfred Hitchcock's MARNIE (1964), A FINE MADNESS (1966) and THE MOLLY MAGUIRES (1970), but most were box-office duds. He did some of his best work over the course of his significant collaboration with director Sidney Lumet: THE HILL (1965), as a convict in a military prison; THE ANDERSON TAPES (1972), as an ex-con masterminding a large-scale heist; THE OFFENCE (1973), as a London detective who beats a suspect to death; MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974), as part of the all-star ensemble; and FAMILY BUSINESS (1989), a critical and commercial misfire in which he portrays the proud patriarch of a criminal clan, with Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick as his son and grandson respectively.
Connery attempted to abandon 007 time and again but audiences did not at first support his efforts. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971) marked the beginning of his 12-year absence from Bond pictures. Connery utilized this period to star in a wide range of interesting adventure films, including John Boorman's ZARDOZ (1974), John Huston's THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING (1975), John Milius's THE WIND AND THE LION (1975), Richard Lester's ROBIN AND MARIAN (1976), and, in a crucial supporting role, Terry Gilliam's TIME BANDITS (1981). Bald, a little paunchy, but still handsome and charismatic, Connery donned his toupee and returned to his most celebrated role for the aptly titled NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (1983). The film was a hit.
Connery followed up with the popular fantasy film, HIGHLANDER (1986) and the successful international co-production THE NAME OF THE ROSE (1986) before hitting a home run with an Oscar-winning supporting role in Brian De Palma's adaptation of THE UNTOUCHABLES (1987). Playing Malone, a sly and crafty old Irish cop, he easily eclipsed Kevin Costner, the film's ostensible leading man. The success of this film placed Connery firmly back on the A-list of modern Hollywood leading men -- albeit often in older, fatherly roles (often older than his actual age). His renewed star shone particularly brightly in Steven Spielberg's third installment of the Indiana Jones series, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989), as the alternately aloof and irascible father of Harrison Ford.
Though he is an enduring presence harking back to the stars of the Hollywood studio system, Connery is also a serious actor who meticulously prepares for his roles. He has trained extensively in movement and has claimed that he never accepts a role until he has worked out how the character should move. Connery has achieved impressive subtleties of characterization within a surprisingly wide range of parts.
One of the most sought-after actors in the industry, Connery keeps busy regardless of whether his films hit or miss. He is a proponent of the always-keep-working school, in part because of his financial support of the Scottish National Theater. Connery's 90s credits include THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, THE RUSSIA HOUSE (both 1990), HIGHLANDER II: THE QUICKENING (1991) and MEDICINE MAN (1992). The latter marked his debut as an executive producer, a chore he also performed on his police vehicle, RISING SUN (1993). Here Connery was teamed with Wesley Snipes in a police drama with international ramifications.
Other notable screen credits include A GOOD MAN IN AFRICA (1994), JUST CAUSE (also producer) and FIRST KNIGHT (both 1995), DRAGONHEART (voice of Draco) and THE ROCK (also producer) (both 1996), THE AVENGERS and PLAYING BY HEART(both 1998), ENTRAPMENT (1999, also producer), FINDING FORRESTER (2000, also producer) and THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN (2003, also exec. prod.).
He was married to actress Diane Cilento from 1962 until 1974. Their son is actor Jason Connery. In 1975, he married Micheline Roquebrune. Connery was named a Knight of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on the 2000 New Year's Honours List. He lives in Marbella, Spain, near a golf course -- where he plays daily.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role 1987: THE UNTOUCHABLES
1 nomination, 1 Award