Sean Connery's Brush with Mob Enforcer Turned Deadly

The future James Bond actor was caught in a love triangle that led to a bodyguard's demise.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In 1957, while filming a movie in England, actor Thomas Sean Connery was caught in a love triangle with actress Lana Turner and her boyfriend, mob enforcer Johnny Stompanato. Stompanato, jealous of the on-screen chemistry between Connery and Turner, rushed the set and threatened Connery at gunpoint. Connery disarmed Stompanato, leading to Stompanato's deportation. Months later, Stompanato confronted Turner at her home, where he was fatally stabbed by Turner's 14-year-old daughter Cheryl in an act deemed justifiable homicide.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the volatile nature of Hollywood relationships and the dangers that can arise when the worlds of entertainment and organized crime collide. It also foreshadows Connery's future as the iconic James Bond, known for his suave demeanor and ability to handle high-stakes situations.

The details

In October 1957, while filming 'Another Time, Another Place' in England, Connery and Turner developed strong on-screen chemistry. Stompanato, Turner's boyfriend and a bodyguard for mob boss Mickey Cohen, became increasingly jealous and confronted Connery on the set, threatening him at gunpoint. Connery was able to disarm Stompanato, leading to Stompanato's deportation from England. Months later, Stompanato returned to Turner's Beverly Hills home, where he threatened and shook her. Turner's 14-year-old daughter, Cheryl, then fatally stabbed Stompanato, an act that was deemed justifiable homicide.

  • In the second week of October 1957, Stompanato flew from Los Angeles to Cornwall, England, to be with Turner for the remainder of filming.
  • Around New Year's Day 1958, Stompanato rushed the film set and threatened Connery.
  • On January 4, 1958, Stompanato was deported back to Hollywood.
  • On April 4, 1958, Stompanato confronted Turner at her Beverly Hills home, where he was fatally stabbed by her daughter Cheryl.
  • On April 5, 1958, a coroner's jury deemed Cheryl's killing of Stompanato a justifiable homicide.

The players

Thomas Sean Connery

The future James Bond actor who was caught in the love triangle between Turner and Stompanato.

Lana Turner

The actress who was in a relationship with Stompanato and developed on-screen chemistry with Connery while filming 'Another Time, Another Place'.

Johnny Stompanato

Turner's boyfriend, a former marine and bodyguard/enforcer for mob boss Mickey Cohen, who became jealous of Connery and Turner's on-screen relationship.

Cheryl

Turner's 14-year-old daughter who fatally stabbed Stompanato when he confronted her mother at their home.

Mickey Cohen

The mob boss who Stompanato worked for as a bodyguard and enforcer.

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What they’re saying

“I'll get you if it takes a day, a week, or a year. I'll cut your face up. I'll stomp you. And if I can't do it myself, I'll find somebody who will.”

— Johnny Stompanato (The Akron Beacon Journal)

What’s next

The incident highlighted the dangers of the entertainment industry's intersection with organized crime, and foreshadowed Connery's future as the iconic James Bond, known for his ability to handle high-stakes situations.

The takeaway

This case illustrates the volatile nature of Hollywood relationships and the risks that can arise when the worlds of entertainment and organized crime collide, ultimately leading to a tragic and justifiable homicide.