Former James Bond actor George Lazenby, who is best known for playing 007 in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, has announced his retirement from both acting and public appearances. The 84-year-old Bond star will forever be best recognized for being the second actor to play the iconic secret agent, taking over from Sean Connery. Lazenby took to social media to make the announcement, sharing the following statement:
“This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work. Therefore, I won’t be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. It’s been a fun ride but getting older is…no fun. I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 – the best representative I ever had. I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the…years. It has meant a lot to me. George xx”
The Australian actor only played the famous MI6 agent once, before Connery returned to reclaim the role in 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever. Initially winning the role thanks to his natural aggression (he accidentally punched a professional wrestler in the face during his audition) and suave appearance, Lazenby’s portrayal of 007 was initially met with mixed reviews but has since found a following. Interestingly, he walked away from the role after his agent convinced him that the character would be seen as old-fashioned amid the more liberal 1970s.
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George Lazenby: The Con Man Who Defrauded His Way to the Top of Hollywood
Not only was George Lazenby’s suit and hair phony, so was his resume. Lucky for him, IMDb wouldn’t exist for another two decades.
Outside of Bond, Lazenby is known for a variety of movie and TV roles, including Universal Soldier, Who Saw Her Die?, Gettysburg, Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E., Freddy’s Nightmares, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Superboy, and Batman Beyond. His most recent role was as the U.S. President in the action drama Mundije.
Who Will Be the Next James Bond?
Following Daniel Craig leaving the role of James Bond behind in 2021’s No Time to Die, it is currently unknown who will be the next actor chosen to sport the iconic tuxedo. The hottest rumor flying around at present is that Bullet Train and Kraven the Hunter star Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the top choice. And he’s a choice that George Lazenby can get behind, with the former Bond star having given his blessing to Taylor Johnson while speaking with TMZ.
Lazenby said that the Kick-Ass star has the right ingredients to do the role “justice,” and feels confident that he can “handle the stunts, and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.” The actor added that Taylor-Johnson can “do the character justice,” offering his advice should the Marvel star take on the coveted role and saying he must “be true to himself and reinvent the role to fit him.”