Schwarzeneger won the title of Mr. Schwarzeneger at the age of 20. Universe and won the Mr. Universe competition seven times. Olympia, becoming one of the most recognizable bodybuilders in history. Only after achieving these successes did he decide to pursue a film career, and then a political one. Many years before the Austrian, a Scot was also successful as a bodybuilder.
First a bodybuilder, then James Bond. But not only
In 1953, third place in the junior Mr. competition. The Universe was won by Thomas Sean Connery. The boy, born in 1930, was already introducing himself by his middle name (he started doing so in his childhood because his friend had a similar-sounding name, Séamus). Sean Connery took up bodybuilding at the age of 18, when he already had, among others, short service in the navy. He was trained to become an anti-aircraft gunner. The later James Bond served, among others, on the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable, but left the army after three years. The history of his military service was recalled by the Ministry of Defense after the actor’s death in 2020.
The official reason for his departure from the Navy was stomach ulcers, which ran in his family. In an interview many years later, Connery said: Strangely enough, I have never had an ulcer since then. Looking back, it was probably my inability to follow orders from officers, especially those whom I learned had achieved their positions largely through privilege, that caused me ulcers.
What about bodybuilding? He became interested in it while still in service. He trained at the Dunedin Weightlifting Club. When he left the army, he found a job as a lifeguard, then also a model, and competed in bodybuilding competitions. On the podium of the Mr. Universe stood at the age of 23 during the event held in London.
Sean Connery during the Mr. Connery competition. Universe Courtesy Everett Collection/East News
He loved football, but he thought rationally. This is how Sean Connery ended up in the movie
In the same year, he also rejected a football contract. At Manchester United he was offered £25 a week. – I really wanted to accept this offer because I loved football. But I realized that a top-class football player can have a hard time already at the age of 30, and I was already 23, he said years later. – I decided to become an actor and it turned out to be one of my smarter moves – he added.
He took up acting seriously in the mid-1950s. Eleven years later, he auditioned for James Bond. He played agent 007 in six official (“Dr. No”, “From Russia with Love”, “Goldfinger”, “Operation Thunderbolt”, “You Only Live Twice” and “Diamonds Are Forever”) and one unofficial production (“Never Say Never”). He gave up this role because he didn’t want to be associated with only one character his whole life. And although he is still considered one of the best – if not the best – Bond in history, he also created many other unforgettable roles.
In 1988, Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Agent Jim Malone in “The Untouchables.” 10 years later, the film adaptation of Umerto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose” premiered, in which he played the role of Brother William of Baskerville. He received a BAFTA award for this performance. His other films include: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Besieged”.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
