Last updated on: July 24, 2025
Neil Connery was the younger brother of famous actor Sean Connery. While Sean became a global star as James Bond, Neil lived a quieter life. He worked as a plasterer but also acted in a few films and shows. His story is not well known, but it is very interesting.
Quick Facts About Neil Connery
| Full Name | Neil Niren Connery |
| Birthdate | December 16, 1938 |
| Death | May 9, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 82 years old |
| Occupation | Plasterer, Occasional Actor |
| Husband/Wife | Married to Elinor Connery (1959–2021) |
| Education | Left school at 15; trained as a plasterer |
| Parents | Joseph Connery (father), Euphemia McBain (mother) |
| Siblings | Sean Connery (older brother) |
| Children | 2 daughters (one became an actress) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million |
| Height | 1.86 m |
Early Life in Scotland
Neil Connery was born on 16 December 1938 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was brought up in a working-class family in the Fountainbridge district of Edinburgh. His father, Joseph Connery, was a lorry driver. His mother, Euphemia McBain, was a cleaner.
Neil had an older brother, Sean. Sean was born in 1930. The two brothers were close when they were growing up.
Neil quit school at 15. He later was trained as a plasterer. He subsequently served in the army, where he was employed as a photographer.
Family Life
Neil married Eleanor in 1959. They were blessed with two daughters. One of their daughters went on to become an actress. Neil and his family resided in Corstorphine, which is part of Edinburgh, for more than 40 years.
A Surprise Start in Acting
Neil didn’t intend to act. One time, he gave a radio interview regarding his stolen plastering gear. A movie producer overheard him. He thought Neil sounded a great deal like Sean. He looked like him too.
Neil soon found himself acting in a spy film. The title of the film was “O.K. Connery”, or sometimes “Operation Kid Brother” or “Operation Double 007.” It came out in 1967.
Neil portrayed a character known as Dr. Neil Connery. James Bond is preoccupied in the story, so his younger brother (played by Neil) must rescue the world. There were some actual Bond actors in the film, such as Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell.
Challenges in His Film Career
Before the film was completed, Neil had to undergo appendicitis surgery. Due to this, he wasn’t able to go back and record his voice for the film. So, another actor had to revoice his lines.
The film was unsuccessful. The critics didn’t appreciate it. It also bombed at the box office. Even then, over time, it found its cult following due to how bizarre it was.
Neil played a number of other parts. He featured in “The Body Stealers” in 1969. He also played bits in television programmes such as “The Borgias” and “Taggart” during the 1980s.
Back to a Simple Life
Even after working in films, Neil never quit his employment as a plasterer. He did not wish to rely on his brother to become famous. He once confessed that he would never seek Sean’s assistance in his career.
Neil experienced a car accident in the early 1980s. He injured his hands, and he was no longer able to work long hours with tools. He then led a peaceful life in Edinburgh.
Final Years and Death
Neil was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. He passed away on May 9, 2021, at the age of 82. This was only six months after Sean Connery’s death.
Neil was not alone. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, four granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren.
READ ALSO: Sean Connery Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
His Bond with Sean Connery
There were some reports that stated that the two brothers were at odds with each other, but Neil insisted that they remained close. He once joked that Sean had borrowed £50 from him and never repaid it. He laughed about it rather than anything else.
Neil never wished to benefit from Sean’s fame. He made his own decisions. His tale proves that you don’t have to be a celebrity to live a full and rewarding life.
