In 1968, the relatively unknown George Lazenby, now 84 years old, took on the iconic role of James Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sean Connery. However, the shoes proved to be too big for the actor, as he followed some ill-advised advice. When Lazenby’s fame waned, he shifted his focus to building a family, only to face the devastating loss of his son to a brain tumor in 1994.
The Legacy of Sean Connery
Since the premiere of “Dr. No” in 1963, the James Bond franchise has captivated audiences worldwide, with multiple films featuring a total of seven actors portraying the suave and charismatic secret agent. Sean Connery, whose portrayal of Bond became legendary, starred in five films from 1962 to 1967 before deciding to step away from the role. The creators of the franchise faced the daunting task of finding a worthy successor.
A Stroke of Luck
In 1968, the little-known Australian actor George Lazenby, then 29 years old, landed the role of James Bond in the sixth installment of the series, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Lazenby’s breakthrough came after catching the attention of producer Albert R. Broccoli through his commercials for Fry’s Chocolate Cream. Determined to prove himself, Lazenby went to great lengths, even purchasing a tailor-made suit and a Bond-inspired Rolex watch to make a lasting impression during his audition.
Mixed Reception
When “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was released in 1969, the film received mixed reviews, with critics drawing unfavorable comparisons to Connery’s Bond. Despite the criticism, Lazenby remained unfazed, not even bothering to read the reviews. He later learned that the negativity stemmed from a lack of contract negotiations at the time, making it embarrassing for the film’s producers.
Missed Opportunities
Despite being offered a $1 million contract for six more Bond films, Lazenby’s manager convinced him to decline the offer. Instead, he was advised to pursue other opportunities, suggesting that he could follow in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood, who was finding success in Italian Western films at the time. Lazenby ultimately believed that Bond’s time was over, a decision he would later come to regret.
The Fallout
After turning down the Bond contract, Lazenby found himself blacklisted in the movie industry, as rumors circulated about his difficult behavior. He spent the following decades playing smaller roles in various films and TV shows, acknowledging that acting was not his true calling, but that playing Bond had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Life Beyond Bond
Despite not achieving the same level of stardom, Lazenby retained his reputation as a ladies’ man, a persona that persisted long after his time as Bond. In 1971, he married Christina Gannet, with whom he had two children, including his son Zachary, who tragically battled and ultimately succumbed to a brain tumor in 1994. The loss of his son left Lazenby devastated and helpless. One year after Zachary’s passing, Lazenby divorced Gannet and later married Olympic gold medalist Pam Shriver, with whom he has three children.
A Proud Family Man
Today, at 85 years old, Lazenby reflects on his life and considers his children to be his greatest achievements. Despite the different path his career could have taken, he has no regrets and takes immense pride in his family. Lazenby often shares pictures of his loved ones on social media, stating, “The real achievements in my life are my kids. Very proud of all.”
Remembering George Lazenby
Do you remember George Lazenby as James Bond? His unique time as the famous secret agent may have been short-lived, but his story remains one of triumph and tragedy. Share your thoughts on Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond and share this incredible story with your friends to hear what they have to say!
