Sean Connery dies at 90: Here's a look back at his time filming 'The Rock' in San Francisco

ByABC7 News Staff KGO logo
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Look back at Sean Connery on-set filming 'The Rock' in SF
The acclaimed actor Sean Connery passed away Saturday at the age of 90. ABC7 takes a look back at his time on-set filming Alcatraz thriller 'The Rock' in San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Sean Connery, the charismatic Scottish actor and the original James Bond, died Saturday at his home in the Bahamas on Saturday. Connery was 90 years old.

Connery's wife and two sons said he "died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family."

Connery rose to global acclaim for his portrayal of British secret agent James Bond in 1962's "Dr. No," based on the Ian Fleming novel.

Connery continued as Bond in "From Russia With Love," "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," "You Only Live Twice" and "Diamonds Are Forever," often performing his own stunts.

Connery was also no stranger to San Francisco.

VIDEO: Sir Sean Connery, iconic James Bond actor, dies at 90

Handpicked by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, Connery embodied the role for millions as the suave drinker, womanizer and disposer of evil.

In fact, he was a big fan of the city and filmed the Alcatraz thriller "The Rock" there in 1996.

The actor plays John Patrick Mason, an aging British Special Air Service agent and the only man ever to escape from Alcatraz.

"Oh yes, its very nice favorable town," Connery told ABC7 News while on set in June 1996, "Fresh air. Good restaurants."

In Connery's middle age, the actor went onto star in movies including "Robin and Marian," "The Hunt for the Red October," and the "The Untouchables," for which he won an Oscar.

Connery is survived by his wife, brother Neil and sons Jason and Stefan.

His publicist, Nancy Seltzer, said there would be a private ceremony followed by a memorial service once the coronavirus pandemic has ended.