Last updated on: July 24, 2025
Diane Cilento was born on April 2, 1932, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Her complete name was Elizabeth Diane Cilento. She spent her childhood in a intelligent and active household. Her father and mother, Sir Raphael Cilento and Phyllis, Lady Cilento, were both physicians.
Diane was a bold, energetic child. She enjoyed adventure and was always dramatic. She was kicked out of school in Australia but later attended New York to study. She then attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London to be trained as an actress.
Quick Facts About Diane Cilento
| Full Name | Elizabeth Diane Cilento |
| Birthdate | April 2, 1932 |
| Age at Death | 79 years old |
| Death Date | October 6, 2011 |
| Occupation | Actress, Author |
| Husband(s)/Wife | Andrea Volpe (1955–1962) |
| Sean Connery (1962–1974) | |
| Anthony Shaffer (1985–2001) | |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London |
| Parents | Sir Raphael Cilento and Phyllis, Lady Cilento |
| Siblings | Phyllis Margaret Cilento, David Cilento, Ruth A Yolanda Cilento, Raphael C F Cilento, Carl Lindsay Cilento |
| Children | Giovanna Volpe (with Andrea Volpe), Jason Connery (with Sean Connery) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million at time of death |
| Nationality | Australian |
A Bright Acting Career
Diane began her acting career during the 1950s. She initially acted in minor roles in British films and stage productions. Before long, individuals recognized her talent.
She received a major boost in 1956 when she acted in Tiger at the Gates as Helen of Troy. For that role, she was nominated for a Tony Award.
In 1963, she played in the film Tom Jones as Molly Seagrim. The role earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Other notable works are:
- The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)
- Hombre (1967)
- The Wicker Man (1973)
- The Persuaders! (TV series, 1972)
Diane was working in films and television from the 1950s to the 1970s. Her character roles tended to be robust, bold, and emotional.
Her Marriages and Children
Diane Cilento was married thrice.
Andrea Volpe (1955–1962)
They had one daughter, Giovanna Volpe.
Sean Connery (1962–1974)
She met Connery in 1957 while appearing in a TV play.
They got married in 1962 and had a son, Jason Connery, in 1963.
Jason was an actor and director.
Diane and Sean parted ways in 1971 and divorced in 1974.
Anthony Shaffer (1985–2001)
He was a playwright. They were together until his death in 2001.
Life with Sean Connery
Sean Connery and Diane were a well-known celebrity couple during the 1960s. Sean was becoming an international star playing the role of James Bond.
However, their marriage life was not smooth. According to Diane in her book My Nine Lives, Sean was occasionally cruel and violent. Sean contradicted her. They kept their relationship strained after their divorce. It also impacted Jason, their son.
A New Chapter in Life
When her acting career slowed, Diane relocated to Queensland’s rainforest in Australia. She established an outdoor theater, Karnak Playhouse. There, she assisted local artists and staged plays.
She also published books:
- Two novels: The Manipulator (1967) and Hybrid (1970)
- Her autobiography: My Nine Lives (2006)
In 2001, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal for contributions in the arts.
Last Years and Death
Later in life, Diane lived in peace and spirituality. She remained close to nature and the arts.
Diane died on October 6, 2011, in Cairns, Queensland, due to cancer. She was 79.
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Diane Cilento’s Legacy
Diane Cilento is remembered as a talented actress. She was courageous, resilient, and imaginative. Despite marrying Sean Connery and gaining celebrity, she forged her own way through life.
She performed wonderfully on stage and screen. She also assisted in developing the arts in Australia. Her work continues to be remembered and through her son, Jason.
