“Sean Connery Didn’t Hold Back: Kevin Costner Opens Up About Intense ‘Untouchables’ Incident”
Kevin Costner Recalls How Sean Connery Took Matters Into His Own Hands on The Untouchables Set
Kevin Costner, widely recognized today for his role as John Dutton in the hit Western drama Yellowstone, once shared the screen with the legendary Sean Connery in the 1987 crime drama The Untouchables. In the film, Costner played federal agent Eliot Ness, while Connery took on the role of Jimmy Malone — Ness’ mentor and staunch ally.
Costner reflected on his time working alongside Connery and revealed that, while he deeply respected the late actor, Connery was not someone you’d want to cross. Costner shared a striking incident from the set that showcased Connery’s no-nonsense attitude when wronged.
Sean Connery Wasn’t One to Let Things Slide
During filming, Costner recalled meeting a somewhat tipsy Connery at a bar one evening. Connery, bothered by something that had occurred on set, took a moment to confirm the details with Costner before taking action. According to Costner, once Connery had the full story, he wasted no time confronting the individual responsible.
“He goes, ‘Thank you,’ and he went and tore this guy’s head off,” Costner said.
Apparently, a member of the production team had done something that cost Connery money, and once the actor had verified the situation, he made sure to hold that person accountable in no uncertain terms.
Michael Caine Also Witnessed Connery’s Tough Side
Kevin Costner isn’t the only one who witnessed Sean Connery’s intimidating side. English actor Michael Caine, a close friend of Connery’s, also recounted a time when Connery didn’t hesitate to stand up for what he believed was right — even if it meant resorting to a fight.
Speaking about their younger days, Caine recalled a night out at a club where some men were heckling women performing on stage. Without hesitation, Connery stepped in.
“Once, we were in a club and some girls were on stage trying to sing. Some guys behind us were giving them a hard time, so Sean just got up and beat all four of them up. I just held his coat!” Caine said.
Connery Even Faced Off with a Real-Life Mobster
Connery’s fearless reputation didn’t end there. While filming Another Time, Another Place, he reportedly got into a confrontation with none other than Johnny Stompanato — a known mob enforcer and then-boyfriend of actress Lana Turner. Upset over rumors about Connery and Turner, Stompanato showed up on set to intimidate the actor. Instead, Connery punched him in the face, sending a clear message.
From defending fellow performers to standing up to mobsters, Sean Connery consistently proved he wasn’t someone to be trifled with — both on and off screen. As Costner and others attest, behind Connery’s iconic performances was a man of conviction, fearlessness, and a readiness to confront injustice head-on.
