However, his one film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) is regarded by many fans as one of the highlights of the series despite Lazenby’s sometimes clear inexperience as an actor. He believed that Bond’s days were numbered. Amazingly he won the role, which just shows what you can achieve when you’re really focused on achieving it.īut after all that determination and effort in landing the role Lazenby declined to sign a multi-picture deal on the advice of his agent. In the documentary Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 (2012) Lazenby says he barged into the offices of Eon Productions to get a screen-test. He was determined to win the role of Bond though and went as far as buying a Savile Row suit ordered by Sean Connery but uncollected and wearing a Rolex watch. George Lazenby was a car salesman turned model whose only acting experience was in commercials.

Read more about Sean Connery’s James Bond films George Lazenbyīorn 5th September 1939 in New South Walesįollowing Sean Connery’s announcement You Only Live Twice would be his last Bond film the hunt was on for a new actor to step into his shoes. His final outing as James Bond was in Never Say Never Again, Kevin McClory’s 1983 non-Eon Thunderball remake, which went head to head with Octopussy.Ī long time advocate of Scottish independence, Sean Connery was knighted in 2000. But after negotiating a record $1.25 million salary he promptly gave it away. Many Bond fans regard Connery as the quintessential 007.Īlthough he quit the series after You Only Live Twice (1967), Connery returned to Eon Productions’ series in Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Lacking the privileged background of both James Bond and Ian Fleming, Dr No director Terence Young helped knock off Connery’s rough edges and made him convincing in the role. Connery’s big break came when Cubby Broccoli offered him the part of James Bond.

Initially small parts, he landed a major role in Disney’s Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959). Initially he focused on the stage but soon did some television and film work. His acting career was launched when he landed a small role in South Pacific. Starting in 1962 with Dr No, Sean Connery played 007 in six of the first seven James Bond films.Īfter a string of jobs that included working as a milkman and a stint in the Royal Navy, Sean Connery began working backstage at an Edinburgh theatre to earn extra money during the early 1950s.

James bond 007 actors list