Sean Connery's Unconventional Path from Mr. Universe to 007

According to a 1987 interview with Barbara Walters, actor Sean Connery had a difficult time finding roles in the decade between his first break and becoming the legendary 007. Connery, who was 23 years old at the time, had previously worked a string of odd jobs, including as a nude model, before entering the Mr. Universe pageant in 1953.

After the pageant, Connery landed his first job as a chorus member in a London-based touring production of "South Pacific." It was during this time that he met fellow actor Michael Caine, with whom he would later become close friends. Connery spoke fondly of Caine, recalling their "wonderful time" working together on the 1975 film "The Man Who Would Be King."

Connery revealed that his distinctive appearance, being "too tall, too Scottish, too foreign-looking," made it challenging for him to secure roles, as he was never cast in English parts. Instead, he was often typecast in roles as Greeks, Arabs, and Italians. It wasn't until the iconic role of James Bond that Connery's career truly took off.

In the meantime, Connery spent much of his time in libraries, developing an appreciation for literature. He read the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights, which he credits as the moment he decided to become an actor.