George Lazenby
February 20, 2018Who: George Robert Lazenby
Born: 5 September 1939, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
George Robert Lazenby /ˈleɪzənbi/ is an Australian actor and former model, best known for portraying James Bond in the1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He remains the only actor to have played the role in only one Eon Productions film. He went on to a career in films and television, including several roles spoofing the James Bond character. His name has become a metaphor for actors of lesser standing who have given non-iconic performances in major media franchises.
James Bond: 1969
In 1968, after Sean Connery quit the role of James Bond, producer Albert R. Broccoli first met Lazenby when getting their hair cut at the same barber. He later saw him in the Big Fry commercial and felt he could be a possible Bond, calling him in for a screen test.
Lazenby dressed for the part by sporting several sartorial Bond elements such as a RolexSubmariner wristwatch and a Savile Row suit (ordered, but uncollected, by Connery). Broccoli offered him an audition. The position was consolidated when Lazenby accidentally punched a professional wrestler, who was acting as stunt coordinator, in the face, impressing Broccoli with his ability to display aggression. Lazenby won the role based on a screen-test fight scene, the strength of his interviews, fight skills and audition footage.
George Lazenby´s 007 production:
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)