George Lazenby, actor for James Bond, is retired
In a James Bond film, George Lazenby played the famous secret agent. But the role changed his life. Now, the 84-year-old wants to retire.
He had only one unique opportunity to bear the famous license to kill, yet he became immortal with it. In 1969, George Lazenby donned the iconic James Bond role in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." The ex-model without acting experience became the direct successor of original 007 Sean Connery. At Lazenby's side played "The Avengers" star Diana Rigg and "Kojak" Telly Savalas. "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," as the film is called originally, is considered a classic and one of the best James Bond films today. However, Lazenby rejected a contract for further appearances as 007 on the recommendation of his agent at the time. He later regretted this decision, as he admitted in interviews.
Now, George Lazenby, 84, is retiring. The Australian announced in social media that he would completely withdraw from public life. "I will no longer act or make public appearances, no more interviews or autographs," the actor wrote on Facebook, X, and Instagram. "It was fun, but getting older is no fun."
His withdrawal from public life was not an easy decision, Lazenby explained, but it was now time for retirement. "Now I can focus on spending more time with my family," he wrote. "My sincere thanks go out to all of you out there for your love and support over the years. It meant a lot to me."
"It's not easy getting older"
In November of last year, the 84-year-old fell in his house in Los Angeles and sustained head injuries. After a hospital stay, he recovered at home. "It's not easy getting older," his manager announced subsequently, "but at 84, George has definitely shown what a fighter he is." Whether his withdrawal from public life is related to the fall is not known.
After his Bond rejection, Lazenby's major acting career faded away. However, 007 still shaped his life. Until recently, he regularly appeared as a guest star at James Bond events around the world. Most recently, he participated in a docu-series about the famous secret agent. The film "Becoming Bond" from 2017, a mix of film and documentary, tells his story with a wink.
After achieving fame as James Bond, Lazenby continued to attend movie premieres and fan events, relishing his role in Hollywood's entertainment scene. Despite not reprising his role as 007, the movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" remains a celebrated part of the James Bond film franchise.
The retirement of George Lazenby from acting and public appearances has left a gap in the world of spy movie entertainment, especially in the realm of James Bond fandom. His enduring legacy as the cult hero of one of the most beloved movie franchises will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
