Last updated on: July 24, 2025
Most people recognize Sean Connery as the first James Bond. Fewer, however, know of his father, Joseph Connery. Joseph was a low-key man in Scotland. He worked diligently and brought up a tough family. This is the tale of the actor’s silent man.
Quick Facts About Joseph Connery
| Full Name | Joseph Connery |
| Birthdate | Around 1902 |
| Birthplace | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Occupation | Rubber factory worker, Lorry (truck) driver |
| Husband/Wife | Euphemia “Effie” McLean |
| Marriage Date | 28 December 1928 |
| Education | N/A |
| Age at Death | 70 years old |
| Death | August 1972 |
| Cause of Death | Throat cancer |
| Parents | Jean McNab and Thomas Connery (unmarried) |
| Siblings | At least one younger brother (born 1905) |
| Children | Sons: Sean Connery, Neil Connery |
| Grandchildren | Jason Connery |
| Residence | Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life in Glasgow
Joseph Connery was born c. 1902 in Glasgow, Scotland. He had a very simple upbringing. His mother was Jean McNab, and his father was Thomas Connery, a pedlar. Joseph’s parents were not married at the time of his birth. He had at least one younger brother, born in 1905.
Joseph’s family were of Irish origin. They were Irish Travellers. The Irish Travellers had the reputation for being nomadic and engaging in petty trades. His family originated from County Wexford in Ireland.
Work and Life in Edinburgh
Joseph later relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. He resided in a working-class neighborhood called Fountainbridge. Life was not easy there, but Joseph persevered. He worked hard at two jobs during his lifetime. He toiled in a rubber factory and also as a lorry driver.
He was a firm believer in hard work and performing to the best of his abilities. He was not a rich man. But he worked always to support his family. He taught his sons what it meant to be a strong, honest man.
Marriage and Family
On 28th December 1928, Joseph married Euphemia “Effie” McLean. She was a cleaner by profession. Effie was a Protestant, whereas Joseph was a Roman Catholic. Despite differing from each other in religion, they managed to make their marriage successful.
They cohabited in Fountainbridge. The couple had two sons:
Sean Connery, born in 1930.
Neil Connery, born in 1938.
Their house was modest but loving. They had little money, but they also had discipline and love. Joseph instilled in his children the importance of diligence and respect.
Joseph’s Influence on Sean
Joseph was a reserved man, not one to find it easy to bring attention upon himself. Yet he had a profound effect upon Sean. He taught him how to be brave, mannered, and proud. These were lessons that Sean carried with him as he went on to become a well-known actor.
Sean never forgot his humble beginnings. He would frequently talk about his father’s tough life. He was proud of Joseph and what he had accomplished for the family.
READ ALSO: Sean Connery Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Later Years and Death
Joseph Connery died in August 1972. He succumbed to throat cancer at the age of around 69 or 70. By then, Sean had already become a film star. Joseph did not get to see all of his son’s success, but he got to see enough to be proud.
A Life Worth Remembering
Joseph Connery was a humble and honest man. He was born poor and had toiled hard all his life. He brought up two sons and instilled them with good values. One of them is a world-renowned actor.
Even though Joseph himself never attained fame, he contributed largely to the making of someone who did. His tale tells us that every star has a humble hero at home.
