Connery to write autobiography

Sean Connery is to reveal the truth behind his 007 screen legend in the autobiography he previously pledged never to write.

The Scotsman is to tell his life story from his humble beginnings in Edinburgh to superstardom in the James Bond films and beyond.

He is poised to start writing the memoirs after clinching a six-figure deal with HarperCollins, a spokeswoman for the publisher said today.

The 73-year-old’s frank account is likely to include details of his turbulent marriage to Diane Cilento and his stormy relationship with the Bond film producers.

Connery said: “Having always vowed never to write my autobiography, here I am standing on the runway awaiting my journey into a new space. It’s rather scary, but utterly exhilarating, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The HarperCollins spokeswoman said the autobiography, due for publication in the Autumn of 2006, would be “more honest” than most celebrity memoirs.

“He has promised that he is going to be very frank about his entire life,” she said.

HarperCollins chief executive Victoria Barnsley said: “Sean Connery is one of the world’s genuine superstars. He means so much to so many people and he’s got a great story to tell.”

Born Thomas Connery, he left school at 13 to work on a milk round before joining the Royal Navy three years later.

The future star turned to body-building after being invalided out of the Forces at 18 due to an ulcer.

His first big break was a television production called Requiem for a Heavyweight, which led to a string of B-movies.

The multi-millionaire’s fortunes changed when he was picked for the role of super-suave James Bond by legendary director Cubbi Broccoli in 1962.

Film classics Dr No, from Russia With Love and Goldfinger propelled the Scotsman to global fame.

Other major films include The Name of the Rose, The Untouchables, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt for Red October.

Known for his fierce sense of Scottish pride, Connery lives in the Bahamas from where he donates money to the Scottish National Party.

Voted People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1989 at almost 60 years of age, the star replied with typical sardonic humour: “Well, there aren’t many sexy dead men, are there?”

Mort Janklow, who negotiated the high-profile deal for the autobiography, said: “We are honoured to have been selected to represent Sir Sean Connery, whose memoir has long been thought of as the “Holy Grail” for publishers.

“His is an astonishing life, encompassing as it does the highest levels of artistic achievement over the longest period of time on the international scene. It is also one of the great personal stories of triumph over humble beginnings.”