Happy Birthday Sean Connery

Sean Connery defined the role of James Bond Image courtesy of Bettmann/Getty Images

Sean Connery became James Bond in 1962, and has owned the role of the dashing and dangerous British Secret Service agent ever since.

As Bond, Connery, who turned 90, August 25, became an instant, staggering success, combining just the right amount of sexiness, wry humor and violence to impress male and female viewers alike. So popular was Connery's Bond, that his means of ordering a martini -- "shaken, not stirred" -- was imitated by generations.

Connery played Bond seven times, in Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Never Say Never Again (1983).

Of course, Connery is much more than James Bond. He won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables (1987) and displayed his comedic chops playing Professor Henry Jones, the disapproving father of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

Nonetheless, it is Connery's role as the rakish James Bond, the man with a license to kill, that has come to define the actor. Here, then, are some of our favorite movie posters from that character-defining run.

James Bond burst onto the big screen for the first time in 1962 with this great adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel, bringing with him all of the signature elements that made the exploits of the debonair 007 a smash hit series: the exotic locales, the license to kill, the evil SPECTRE organization, ubiquitous martinis, "Bond" women and fast cars. This impressive movie poster sold for $22,750 at auction. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Connery made a triumphant return as everyone's favorite spy in this popular second chapter of Ian Fleming's thrilling James Bond franchise in 1963. Artists Renato Fratini and Eric Pulford combined their formidable artistic prowess in this fantastic movie poster. It's not easy to find this fan favorite poster in great condition, as evidenced by its auction realized price of $11,950 Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Connery returned as James Bond in 1964 to take on the mad genius of Auric Goldfinger and his dreamy assistant Pussy Galore in their plot to capture Fort Knox. Big, bold, and breathtaking, this movie poster captures some of the film's best moments. It sold for almost $1,800. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Thunderball (1965) finds Bond battling the sinister espionage organization SPECTRE, which has hijacked a pair of nuclear bombs and is threatening to use them unless a ransom of 100,000,000 pounds is paid. The mastermind behind this scheme is Emilio Largo, who has a nasty habit of feeding his adversaries to his pet sharks. The poster is one of the best ever made for the Bond franchise. It sold for $2,000. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

In 1967's You Only Live Twice, Bond, is called in to solve the mystery of an American space capsule that appears to have been swallowed up by a Russian spaceship, causing a near breakout of World War III. The British government believes, however, that other powers may have been responsible. The movie poster sold for $660. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

After a brief hiatus, Connery was convinced to reprise his Bond role in Diamonds Are Forever. The movie features beautiful women, danger, diamonds, the bright lights of Las Vegas and the lovely Jill St. John. That's all you need to know about this Bond adventure from 1971. This 81" x 81" poster sold for more than $400 at auction. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Connery's final go as James Bond, 1983's Never Say Never Again also starred Max von Sydow, Kim Basinger, Bernie Casey and Barbara Carrera as the sinister SPECTRE assassin Fatima Blush. The film's title is a reference to Connery reportedly saying in 1971 that he would "never again" play that role. Connery's last Bond movie poster sold for $600 at auction. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Dwight Cleveland movie memorabilia movie poster

Paul KennedyAuthor

Paul Kennedy is Editorial Director of the Collectibles Group at AIM Media. He enjoys Mid-century design, photography, vintage movie posters and people with a good story to share. Kennedy has more than twenty-five years of experience in the antiques and collectibles field, including book publishing. Reach him at PKennedy@aimmedia.com.