Sean Connery was paid $1.25 million for his iconic return as James Bond in the film Diamonds Are Forever.
The Return of James Bond
Following George Lazenby's portrayal of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and his subsequent departure from the role, the search began for a new actor to lead the franchise. Despite other actors being considered by producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli, studio United Artists was determined to bring back Sean Connery, who had initially defined the character for audiences worldwide.
A Record-Setting Salary
To ensure Connery's highly anticipated return, United Artists offered him a then-unprecedented sum. The $1.25 million salary for Diamonds Are Forever marked a record payment for an actor at that time, highlighting the studio's significant investment and confidence in Connery's ability to drive the film's success. His decision to reprise the role was a pivotal moment for the James Bond series, satisfying fan demand and reinforcing the character's enduring popularity.
The details of his payment for this particular film are summarized below:
| Film Title | Actor | Payment | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamonds Are Forever | Sean Connery | $1.25 million | A then-record-breaking salary for his highly anticipated return as James Bond. |
