George Lazenby is a name that evokes both admiration and curiosity in the world of James Bond films. Best known for his role as the iconic British secret agent 007, Lazenby’s time as James Bond was brief but undeniably impactful. Although he only starred in one Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), his portrayal of the suave, deadly, and vulnerable agent left a lasting legacy in the franchise’s history. This article delves into the life of George Lazenby, his time as James Bond, his career before and after, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this enigmatic actor.

Early Life and Background of George Lazenby

Born on September 5, 1939, in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, George Robert Lazenby grew up in a working-class family. His father was a successful businessman, but the family was by no means wealthy. Lazenby’s early life was marked by a series of odd jobs and an active interest in sports. He played rugby, cricket, and tennis during his youth, showing early signs of the athleticism that would later serve him well in his acting career.

Lazenby’s interest in acting didn’t fully bloom until his adulthood. After working a variety of jobs including a stint as a car salesman he moved to Sydney in the early 1960s, where he began pursuing a career in modeling and acting. His striking looks and tall, lean physique quickly earned him work in advertising.

Transition to Acting: Lazenby’s transition from model to actor was not immediate, but in the mid-1960s, he began appearing in various Australian television shows and minor roles. He soon caught the attention of a casting agent, which eventually led him to the opportunity that would change his life: James Bond.

Becoming James Bond: The Iconic Role

In 1968, George Lazenby was relatively unknown in the world of film. But he happened to be at the right place at the right moment. After Sean Connery, the actor synonymous with the role of James Bond, announced he would be stepping away from the iconic part following You Only Live Twice (1967), producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were on the lookout for a new face to take on the role of the famous British spy.

Lazenby’s modeling background and striking resemblance to Connery caught the eye of the film’s producers. However, it wasn’t just his looks that sealed the deal. Lazenby had to undergo a series of screen tests, and his charisma and ability to capture the Bond persona impressed the producers. He was offered the role, much to his surprise, and with little prior acting experience, Lazenby agreed to take on the role.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: The Film That Defined His Bond Legacy

In 1969, Lazenby starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, directed by Peter R. Hunt. This film is notable for being the only Bond film to feature Lazenby as the lead. It deviates from the traditional Bond formula in several ways, including a deeper emotional storyline and a more vulnerable portrayal of the character.

Lazenby’s Bond was more human and emotional compared to Connery’s hardened portrayal. This was especially evident in the film’s finale, which featured the tragic death of Bond’s wife, Tracy (played by Diana Rigg). The film marked the first time Bond experienced real emotional depth, a moment that would become one of the defining aspects of the franchise.

Despite mixed reviews at the time of release, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service has since become a cult classic and is now regarded by many as one of the best entries in the Bond series. Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond was one of the film’s highlights, showcasing his acting potential beyond the suave spy persona.

Why Did George Lazenby Leave James Bond?

One of the most significant and talked-about aspects of Lazenby’s Bond career is his decision to step away from the role after just one film. At the height of the film’s production, Lazenby made the bold decision to leave the Bond franchise, citing personal and professional reasons.

His Decision to Leave: Lazenby has explained his decision to leave Bond in various interviews. At the time, he was reportedly offered a multi-film contract but felt that playing Bond would typecast him and limit his acting opportunities. Lazenby also felt that the Bond character was too formulaic and was not reflective of his ambitions as an actor. In hindsight, Lazenby has expressed some regret about leaving the role, particularly given the long-lasting success of the Bond films.

The Impact of His Departure: Lazenby’s departure from the role led to the return of Sean Connery for Diamonds Are Forever (1971), followed by Roger Moore, who would go on to portray Bond for the next decade. Lazenby’s brief tenure as Bond created a gap in the franchise that would be filled by these other actors, but his performance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains a standout in the Bond legacy.

Life After James Bond: George Lazenby’s Post-Bond Career

Struggles in Hollywood: After leaving the Bond franchise, Lazenby’s acting career struggled to gain momentum. Despite his fame as 007, he found it difficult to secure major roles in Hollywood. Lazenby appeared in a series of films throughout the 1970s, but none achieved the same level of success or recognition as On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Some of Lazenby’s post-Bond films include The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell (1968), Universal Soldier (1970), and A Queen’s Ransom (1976). However, none of these films offered him the same star power or recognition that Bond had.

A Return to the Spotlight

Although his career waned after his Bond role, Lazenby did manage to find occasional work in the entertainment industry. He appeared in a few television shows, such as The Saint and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and made cameo appearances in various films. One of his most notable returns to Bond was in 2002, when he appeared in Die Another Day in a cameo as a former Bond, serving as a humorous acknowledgment of his place in the franchise’s history. Lazenby also appeared in several documentaries about the making of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, reflecting on his time as the legendary 007.

Personal Life

Lazenby’s personal life has been equally colorful as his professional career. He has multiple children and has been married twice. His first marriage was to Christina “Tina” Wood, with whom he had two children. The couple divorced in the 1970s. Lazenby’s second marriage was to Pam Shriver, a former professional tennis player, but that marriage also ended in divorce. Despite his ups and downs, Lazenby has remained active in interviews and public appearances, maintaining a connection to the world of James Bond.

FAQs

How did George Lazenby become James Bond?

Before his acting career, Lazenby was a successful model. He secured the role of James Bond by impressing the producers with his charisma and by emulating Sean Connery’s Bond look, despite having no prior acting experience. 

Why did George Lazenby play James Bond only once?

Lazenby chose not to continue as James Bond after his debut in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” believing that the Bond character was becoming outdated. He declined a seven-film contract, a decision he later acknowledged as influenced by poor advice and his own misconceptions. 

What other films and TV shows has George Lazenby appeared in?

After his Bond role, Lazenby appeared in various films and television series, including “The Man from Hong Kong” (1975), “Gettysburg” (1993), and “The Pretender.” He also portrayed Superman’s father, Jor-El, in the TV series “Superboy.”

In Summary

George Lazenby’s legacy as James Bond may have been brief, but his portrayal of 007 in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains an unforgettable part of the franchise. Though he left the role prematurely, Lazenby’s decision to step away from Bond set the stage for new actors to take up the mantle of the iconic spy. Despite the challenges he faced in Hollywood after leaving the Bond franchise, Lazenby’s place in cinema history is firmly cemented, and his time as James Bond continues to be appreciated by fans old and new.

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