Sean Connery Spoke Honestly About Pressures of Being 007

In 2025, the late Sean Connery's candid comments about his struggles with the James Bond role have resurfaced. As the first actor to portray the iconic 007, Connery was responsible for defining the character's immense popularity. However, he admitted to journalist Barbara Walters in a 1987 interview that the intense public attention and lack of planning for the films made the role increasingly challenging.

Connery starred in five consecutive Bond films from 1962 to 1967 before taking a break and returning for one final outing in 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. He explained that "the demand was enormous for publicity and exposure" during that time, with fans and paparazzi constantly surrounding him, even "coming on the sets." Connery noted that the "goldfish bowl pressure of being where one was in that time" became overwhelming, comparing it to the level of fame experienced by the Beatles.

Despite his success in the role, Connery was honest about the difficulties he faced. He admitted that the films "were never well planned" and "became the tail wagging the dog," which he disliked. Ultimately, the pressures of fame and the lack of control over the franchise led Connery to step away from the character he had defined.