Sean Connery, 1930-2020

Sir Sean Connery, the man who did more than anyone to raise awareness of baccarat, has died in his sleep at age 90, in the Bahamas. That’s the way to go. In death, as in life, Connery was the epitome of savoir faire. Nobody dealt cards from a baccarat shoe with more cool authority and Connery’s blend of elegance, watchfulness and suppressed violence was unique. Just look at his performance as a rebellious coal miner in Martin Ritt‘s underrated The Molly Maguires and marvel at how much Connery’s eyes say in a largely silent role. Connery may have won the Oscar for The Untouchables but he’d already earned it many times over, especially for his collaborations with director Sidney Lumet, particularly The Hill and The Offence. But it is as James Bond that Connery will be best remembered, especially since he defined our perception of the spy-about-town. As Pierce Brosnan (my second-favorite 007) put it, “Connery was always my favorite Bond, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the pressure to measure up to him.” Have a Covid-safe Halloween by turning off the lights, drawing the shades, and programming a double-feature of Goldfinger and Thunderball. (Or, for a fix of classic Las Vegas, try the otherwise disappointing Diamonds Are Forever.) As Connery said of Ian Fleming’s secret agent persona, “It’s with me ’til I go in the box.” And for far longer, sir.