In 1968, Australian actor George Lazenby, now 86, stepped into one of the most coveted roles in cinema: James Bond. Cast in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, he followed in the footsteps of Sean Connery, whose portrayal had made the character an international icon.
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Landing the role was no small feat. Lazenby, then 29 and relatively unknown, caught the attention of the producers after appearing in commercials for Fry’s chocolate spread. Determined to make an impression, he famously purchased a bespoke suit once owned by Connery and introduced himself at the audition with the confident line, “I heard you were looking for James Bond.” His persistence paid off — he got the part.
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When the film premiered, reviews were mixed, and comparisons to Connery dominated the conversation. Some critics, like Gene Siskel, noted that Lazenby lacked the polished charm of his predecessor. Still, the studio offered him a lucrative contract for six more Bond films.
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On the advice of his manager, Lazenby turned it down, believing his career could thrive in other roles. Unfortunately, the decision led to missed opportunities, a reputation for being difficult to work with, and a gradual retreat from the Hollywood spotlight.
Over time, he stepped away from acting to focus on his personal life. In 1971, he married Christina Gannet, and together they had two children. Their son, Zachary, bravely faced a long illness before passing away at 19 — a loss Lazenby has described as one of the most difficult moments of his life.
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Following this tragedy, Lazenby and Gannet divorced. He later married Olympic tennis champion Pam Shriver, and the couple had three children together. Today, Lazenby reflects on his life with gratitude for his family, saying, “The real achievements in my life are my children.”
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While his time as James Bond was brief, it remains a memorable chapter in the franchise’s history — one that continues to spark discussion among fans more than 50 years later.