In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, legendary actor Sean Connery made a guest appearance to talk about his return as James Bond after a 12-year hiatus. The chat show host Johnny Carson invited Connery to discuss his role and share behind-the-scenes details from the film.
During the interview, Connery mentioned the element of risk that comes with playing the iconic character in the Bond films. He explained that actors often have to perform daring stunts themselves, as they cannot rely on body doubles for certain shots. Connery recalled a particular scene involving a 12-foot shark, where he had to work underwater. He admitted feeling nervous about the underwater sequences, especially after his mask flew off during an initial attempt in a pool. The actor humorously described the panic he experienced underwater, which resulted in excessive bubble production due to his increased breathing rate. Despite the challenges, Connery managed to successfully film the scene and even mentioned the hint of panic that can be seen in his eyes in the final cut.
Another topic of discussion was the use of real sharks in Bond films. Fascinated by how the crew managed to coax the sharks into performing certain actions, Connery explained that the trick was to move them slightly backwards. Given that sharks are accustomed to moving forward, this slight change in direction seemed to temporarily confuse and placate them. Connery further reminisced about shooting a scene in a wrecked boat in the Bahamas, which was positioned 50 feet underwater. He hilariously recounted feeling uncomfortable due to his slight claustrophobia and recalled an amusing incident involving his wife, who excitedly posed for a photo with a shark in the background, resulting in Connery almost unintentionally punching her in the water.
As the interview progressed, Carson praised the production value of the Bond films, emphasizing the thrilling stunts and high-quality production values they offer. Carson inquired about the possibility of another Bond film, to which Connery responded that this would be his final appearance as the renowned spy. He explained that 20 years of portraying James Bond was enough, and he wanted to move on to new projects.
The conversation concluded with a light-hearted exchange about the longevity of The Tonight Show and its ability to stay relevant through topical humor. Connery recognized the show’s appeal, citing its ability to incorporate current events into comedic sketches. Both Carson and Connery chuckled over the idea of future appearances when Connery would have gray hair, jokingly comparing his future look to Carson’s own hairstyle.
In conclusion, Sean Connery‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson provided an entertaining and insightful look into his return as James Bond after 12 years. The interview was filled with humorous anecdotes about filming underwater scenes and working with real sharks, showcasing Connery’s charm and wit. As Connery bids farewell to the role that made him an international star, fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors in the world of entertainment.
