Meet Bond star Sean Connery's famous son - an ITV legend who starred alongside Michael Caine


James Bond actor Sean Connery was married to Australian actress Diane Cilento for 11 years, and the former couple welcomed a son who became a major actor


Sean Connery stands by a classic car, dressed in a brown suit and tie, against a mountainous backdrop.© Getty Images
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
47 minutes ago

Sean Connery is not only one of Scotland's most famous actors, but he also created cinema history as the first person to play James Bond in the highly successful franchise.

He introduced audiences to the world of espionage, beautiful women, outlandish gadgets and martinis that needed to be shaken, not stirred. He also uttered one of cinema's most iconic lines, "Bond, James Bond", which became a defining catchphrase of the series.

Away from the franchise, Sean initially found love with the Australian actress, Diane Cilento, who is known for her roles in Tom Jones and The Wicker Man. The pair married in 1962, the same year the first Bond film was released, but they ultimately went their separate ways in 1973.

However, during his relationship with Diane, the couple welcomed a son, Jason Connery, who followed in both of his parents' footsteps by becoming a famous actor, even fronting a major ITV show.

Here's all you need to know about Sean's famous son…

Sean Connery's son Jason

Born on 11 January 1963, Jason is Sean's only child, although he is the half-brother of Diane's daughter, Giovanna. Before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Jason had studied at Gordonstoun, which has educated several members of the royal family, including King Charles.

The star made his acting debut in 1983's The Lords of Discipline, in which he played MacKinnon. He subsequently appeared in the likes of The Boy Who Had Everything, Doctor Who, Smallville, Shoebox Zoo and George Lopez.

Sean Connery and Jason Connery at AFI's Night At The Movies event in 2008.© Getty Images for AFI
Jason followed his dad into acting

Although he hasn't appeared in the James Bond franchise, he did play the spy's creator, Ian Fleming, in Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming. While several parent-child stars collaborate on-screen, Sean and Jason never had any shared projects.

However, Jason's most notable role was in the ITV drama Robin of Sherwood, in which he played Robert of Huntingdon in the show's final season. The classic was a gritty retelling of the classic Robin Hood myth, and during his time on the show, Jason acted alongside acting great Ray Winstone.

Jason Connery, with long blonde hair, aiming a bow and arrow.© Getty Images
The star's largest role was in Robin of Sherwood

Despite his father having such a legacy attached to him, Sean's own fame was the last thing on Jason's mind when he started pursuing acting. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 1990, Jason said: "My dad basically said, 'Look, the thing about acting is, it's a tough profession. If you really don’t want to do it, you'll find out soon'.

"I was very aware of who Dad was and everybody else was. I felt very much like I had to defend myself or I had to say, 'I’m not just his son. I can act. I am not just riding on his coattails'."

Jason Connery kisses an older man on the cheek. Both wear jackets.© Getty Images
Jason and Sean had a close bond

Acting wasn't the only thing that the father-son duo shared, as they both also enjoyed playing golf together, with Sean introducing his son to the sport when Jason was a child.

Speaking to the Sunday Times in 2004 about their competitive spirit, Jason recounted: "He loves his golf, as everyone knows. When we talk it's usually about that ... he managed to correct my golf grip the other week. He showed me I'd started holding the club all wrong and when he gave me this new grip my game really improved. We had a great round – and yes I beat him, though I gave him a couple of shots."

Jason Connery's relationships

In 1996, Jason married actress Mia Sara, who is known for her roles in All My Children and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The couple met when they starred alongside Michael Caine in Bullet to Beijing. Despite welcoming a son, Dashiell, together, the couple split in 2002.

Jason Connery and Mia Sara standing together on a red carpet, both smiling.© Getty Images
Jason was previously married to Mia Sara

Jason has since found love again, marrying singer and blogger Fiona Ufton in 2022 after dating her for five years. The pair's wedding took place along the banks of the River Tweed.

More Celebrity News
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.