Connery has many hits to his name but his big break came with James Bond movies

Legendary actor Sean Connery, who stole the hearts of many with his role as 007 in the James Bond movies, is celebrating his 87th birthday today.

Thomas Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Connery starred in various films but his big break came when he signed up for Bond films. He assumed the role of a spy in seven films between 1962 and 1983.

Other of his brilliant performances include films such as The Man Who Would Be King, The Name of the Rose and The Untouchables, which won him an Oscar.

His roles in Highlander, Indiana Jones and Robin Hood also gained praise from fans and critics alike.

The actor also received knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for his achievements. Connery received a Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Achievement in 1999 and the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Connery also publically supported the nationalist Scottish National Party and released the book Being a Scot in 2008.