• More
Back to PopWatch Main
Complete Archive
Get Latest Headlines

Sean Connery won't be shaken or stirred out of retirement

Jun 8, 2007, 06:16 PM | by Gary Susman

Categories: Film, Indiana Jones

Sean_l Don't count me among those disappointed that Sean Connery (pictured, right, with Harrison Ford) won't be reprising his role as indiana Jones' father in the fourth Indy movie, which begins shooting in 10 days. Connery posted an announcement at the official Indiana Jones website, saying that not even the prospect of working with Steven Spielberg and Ford again could coax him back in front of the camera because "retirement is just too damned much fun."

That sounds like an awfully glib excuse, but whatever the real reason — maybe he's not mentally or physically up to the demands of the role anymore, or he doesn't want audiences to see the ravages of his 76 years, or he really is having too much fun playing golf — I won't begrudge him his desire to sit this one out. His announcement echoes the one made a couple weeks ago by Paul Newman; the 82-year-old told ABC News he's happy to devote his working hours to his food businesses and that he's not up to the challenges of acting anymore. Both men had world-class runs in movies, and both deserve to rest on their laurels.

Sure, we'd all like to see Connery and Newman continue to sparkle on screen, but then again, movie history is littered with late-career embarrassments by performers who didn't know when to hang it up, who didn't observe the showbiz adage that you should always leave 'em wanting more. What say you, PopWatchers? Should we try to coax these guys back into action, even if they're not in fighting shape, or should we let them be and just enjoy their bodies of work?

Re: Susan Tue, Jun 12, 2007 at 06:36 AM EST

How shallow art thou. The Redford still rocks! As long as these guys don't do the ridiculous like Burt Reynolds did to his face, then keep on acting.

JB Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

Who could blame them for wanting retirement? I agree with Connery, there are a lot of idiots making movies greenlighted by idiots. Today we have stupidity marketed as comedy, or torture sold as horror and an audience who doesn't care enough to know the difference.

zarvos Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 02:52 PM EST

I think the question begs if Lucas and Spielberg should retire Indy? Indy 4? With an ancient Harrison Ford? This is strictly a 401(k) movie. Considering the track record of the Star Wars prequels, do we really think "Indy 4" is going to be a blockbuster? The ONLY thing that made Indy 3 any good was the chemistry between Connery and Ford.

paige Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 10:08 AM EST

even though i would love sean connery to be in the new indiana jones movie- im glad he's sticking to his guns and not trying to be jane fonda (such a sad comeback trail she's on)

Susan Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 10:05 AM EST

Robert Redford is the perfect example of an actor who didn't know when to throw in the towel. Bobby you were hot but now you're not! You're old!

Janice Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 07:31 AM EST

So Rance, you wasted space.

Tamara Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 06:31 AM EST

These men need to get over their vanity and take a lesson from the (still) sexiest man alive: Clint Eastwood. Dude just turned like 100 and he's still rocking it. Oh Lord, have I embarrassed myself.

Reg Sun, Jun 10, 2007 at 02:45 PM EST

Let's recall what Connery said way back in 2005:

The James Bond actor, 74, said he would need "a Mafia-like offer I couldn't refuse" to appear in another film.

He said: "I'm fed up with the idiots... the ever-widening gap between people who know how to make movies and the people who green-light the movies."

Sir Sean added: "I don't say they're all idiots. I'm just saying there's a lot of them that are very good at it."

Tom Sun, Jun 10, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

Someone should tell Robert DeNiro to take a break. A great actor for sure, but he will star in anything. Meet the Fockers -- embarrassing for him. Even Barbra Streisand revisiting her '70s perm came off better than him in that movie.

virginia rice Sun, Jun 10, 2007 at 08:33 AM EST

I've enjoyed them both, but they certainly have earned a rest. It's best to go out, before you end up excepting roles, like some that Shelley Winters, and Bette Davis ended up in.

FLIPPER Sat, Jun 9, 2007 at 09:00 PM EST

It would have been nice to see Sean in this one, but hey... he's older and wants some peace and quiet. Let's leave him to it and let Speilberg let his character die a posthumous type death with dignity.
No biggy... it's all about Indy, ain't it?

Z Sat, Jun 9, 2007 at 04:44 PM EST

Indy 4 won't be the same without Sean Connery. He should have just signed on for a cameo.

ceej Sat, Jun 9, 2007 at 01:27 PM EST

I wonder if we'd be asking the same questions about Angelina Jolie when she turns 70-something. C'mon septuagenarian Angie, put back on the spandex and some Ben-Gay for "Tomb-Raider 5"!

Rance Spergl Sat, Jun 9, 2007 at 09:34 AM EST

Who cares? No one but you and it's your job to waste our time with such drivel.

Andrew Rasanen Sat, Jun 9, 2007 at 12:27 AM EST

"We" don't have any say in the matter, of course. Actors make the decisions about their careers, whether it's to flog their marketability to the end, make a wisely chosen swan song, or call it quits at any time. Our job is to enjoy the movies for what they are and form attachments to the real people in our lives.

Dwayne Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 11:17 PM EST

just let them be. They have so many great movie for us to enjoy. Others should follow their lead like Sly Stallone.

kcholt68 Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 10:35 PM EST

>That sounds like an awfully glib excuse<

And who are you to say he's being glib? This is Sir Sean Frikkin' Connery, have a little more respect!

Buzzramjet Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 09:56 PM EST

Well good for him, but nonetheless maybe even a quick cameo would be cool, but it's his decision. I guess he's turned in his License to Kill as well.

Have Fun Sean! Ya Gave us some great performances.

Nix Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 09:47 PM EST

What say us? We have no say in the matter. It's his decision.

colbyfan Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 08:49 PM EST

Yes, I absolutely agree with the retirement sentiments of Newman and Connery and am very appreciative of all the great performances we have always enjoyed from both of them.

Maeve Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 08:40 PM EST

I hope Sean Connery and Bob Barker get to play lots of golf together.

Dunc Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 07:03 PM EST

Connery should have retired after The Last Crusade... He was in what, two decent movies after that? And one was his cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, so I'm stretching the definition of decent.

Ceballos Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 06:17 PM EST

Acting is really the only profession I can think of that anypne would be surprised where a person well into their 70s and even 80s would talk about retiring.

It's partly because people like these two guys have lucrative careers, but I think it's mostly because most people still think acting is kinda....easy. Though I realize it's not exactly laying brick, these people DO work long hours, as actingup pointed out.


I'll miss seeing Connery and Newman on screen, though fortunately they each left behind a wealth of material to appreciate them forever.

Jer Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 06:16 PM EST

If only one of them had voiced a planet eating robot in the new Transformers Movie... They'd join Orson Welles in some elite company then...

BrandonK Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:57 PM EST

I'd rather they retire than show up in a live-action Flintstones movie...Elizabeth Taylor...

Nancy Walker Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

Connery deserves his retirement. He gave us great movie watching. Paul Newman was wonderful and gorgeous! I loved him in 'Across The Terrace, which also starred his wife,Joanne Woodward. The Towering Inferno was another one of my favorite movies with Paul Newman. I do like his salad dressing and lemonade.

I like it when celebrities realize that the best years for their craft is over. It is always best to go at the top of the game.

actingup Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:45 PM EST

Everyone should be allowed to retire - yeesh - let's give them a break. Acting is hard work. Everyone who works on film and TV work incredibly long hours. I speak from experience. I am amazed when there are actors in their 80s working (look at Angela Lansbury on Broadway. Amazing! And kudos to her that she has the stamina).

Reesa Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

Let the man enjoy his retirement. I firmly believe Connery can still act he is just that good (my opinion), but we all look forward to retiring. I think they waited too long for Indy 4 and Ford should retire as well.

Dio_K Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:32 PM EST

Always leave them wanting more. And who needs this kind of scrutiny in their 70s? Smart move on his part.

Tim Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:29 PM EST

Add Gene Hackman to your list of retirees.

I only wish these fine actors would've gone out on finer notes other than the League of Extrordinary Gentlemen and Welcome to Mooseport.

Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Bond and Popeye Doyle.

Steve Fri, Jun 8, 2007 at 05:27 PM EST

No, this is a wise move. Remember the embarassment that was Bette Davis's late career? Or that ill-advised cameo by Katharine Hepburn in that Warren Beatty movie?

Just let it go, folks.

advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
      • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.