Sean Connery stars in British biography 'bible'
Edinburgh acting legend Sir Sean Connery has been given a new honour four years after his death, with his inclusion in the latest edition of the prestigious Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
The reference collection - described as the national record of men and women who have shaped British history and culture” - only includes people once they have died. The latest update adds biographies for a total of 276 figures who passed away in 2020.
Also among those with an entry in the new edition is teacher and race relations campaigner Saroj Lal , who in the 1970s became one of the first Asian women to teach in a Scottish school.
The dictionary says: “A former teacher, Saroj Lal (1937–2020) was a leading figure in the South Asian community and in race relations in Scotland, notably as director of Lothian Community Relations Council, and the first female
South Asian JP in Scotland. A driving force behind the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir, she was also involved in many interfaith initiatives.”
Last month Lord Provost Robert Aldridge described Mrs Lal as a "pioneer and an inspiration" as the city council backed the idea of a statue in her honour.
The entry for the 007 star says: “Born in Edinburgh, Sir Sean Connery (1930–2020) left school at 13, taking a succession of labouring jobs, joining the Royal Navy and winning a bronze medal in the Mr Universe contest before finding his métier as an actor.
“Two years touring in South Pacific led to roles, small at first, in theatre and on television before he got his big break when selected by Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman to play the ‘spy’ James Bond in the first film starring Ian Fleming’s character, Dr No (1962).
“Connery appeared in six more Bond films (including Never Say Never Again [1983], for different producers). Determined not to be typecast, he appeared in a large number of other films and founded his own production company, Fountainbridge Films. A proud Scotsman, he started the Scottish International Investment Trust and was a long-time supporter of the Scottish National Party.”