Sean Connery's wife reveals the star struggled with dementia before his death: 'It was no life for him'
Moroccan-French painter Micheline Roquebrune, Sir Sean Connery’s wife of over 45 years, paid an emotional tribute to her “gorgeous ... model of a man”. Connery, who’s iconic performance as James Bond remains one of the most popular across the world, died at the age of 90 on Saturday, October 31.
Roquebrune, who is now 91, revealed to the Daily Mail how Connery’s final months were blighted by dementia. She said, “It was no life for him. He was not able to express himself latterly. At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted. He had dementia and it took its toll on him. He got his final wish to slip away without any fuss.”
She further said, “He was gorgeous and we had a wonderful life together. He was a model of a man. It is going to be very hard without him, I know that. But it could not last forever and he went peacefully.”
Roquebrune and Connery first crossed paths at a sporting event in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1970 at a golf tournament. In an interview with France’s Gala magazine, she had described the first night they met. She said, “He grabs hold of me and kisses me passionately. I’m transported. The four days that follow, we continue to play golf like strangers then we meet to make love like crazy people. The reality is even better than the fantasy. No man has ever had this effect on me.”
Roquebrune was his second wife. Connery’s first wife was Australian actress Diane Cilento, who claimed in her autobiography that Connery resented her success and “wasn't able to cope” with his own fame while accusing him of physically and mentally abusing her. Connery denied the claims, branding her as an “insane woman” who had never got over their divorce.
However, Connery had reportedly told Playboy magazine in 1965: “I don't think there is anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman -- although I don't recommend doing it in the same way you'd hit a man. An open-handed slap is justified if all other alternatives fail and there has been plenty of warning. If a woman is a b****, or hysterical, or bloody-minded continually, then I'd do it.”
Connery and Roquebrune exchanged vows in 1975 and have been seen at a number of red carpet events celebrating milestones as a couple. In his last days, he seemed to be enjoying his life with his partner. “I’ve had a great career and I suppose I am in retirement,” he told the press. Shedding light on their common love for golf, he added, “Sinking a good putt or actually winning a round of golf makes my day. That doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, especially if I am playing against Micheline, she’s too good.”
Connery will be cremated in the Bahamas and a memorial service held at a later date, the venue for which has to be decided. It is not known whether his ashes will be brought back to Scotland. Roquebrune said, “We have not decided what to do. That is something we will talk about soon but he will be cremated in the Bahamas, which is what he wanted.”