Actress, Author. Born to well-versed parents in the medical field, her father Sir Ralph West Cilento was an expert on tropical medicine, her mother Lady Phyllis Cilento was a gynecologist; she settled with her family in the Brisbane region of Australia. She began her acting studies, initially at New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts and furthered her learning at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, prior to marking her motion picture debut, with an uncredited vocal role in the picture “Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.” (1951). Her first substantial picture would be the British film “Passing Stranger” (1954), followed by “Passage Home” (1955), opposite Peter Finch. During this period, Cilento experienced her initiation to Broadway with her Theatre World Award-winning and Tony Award nominated performance in “Tiger at the Gates” (1955 to 1956). Her career peaked during the 1960s, beginning with her Academy Award nominated role of Molly Seagrim in “Tom Jones” (1963), followed by memorable leading lady parts in “The Agony and the Ecstasy” (1965), “Hombre” (1967) and “The Wicker Man” (1973). By the mid-1970s, her TV and film work became sporadic, as she devoted her time to a writing career, which yielded the novels “The Manipulator” (1970), “Hybrid” (1972) and “My Nine Lives” (2006). In addition, she established the Karnak Playhouse outdoor theatre in North Queensland during the 1980s. Cilento was formerly married to actor Sean Connery (1962 to 1973) and playwright Anthony Shaffer from 1985 until his death in 2001. Her union with Connery produced their son Jason who became an actor. She was the recipient of Australian Centenary Medal in 2001, which honored her distinguished service to the arts. (bio by: C.S.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Anthony Shaffer (1926 – 2001)