Former James Bond star George Lazenby made a rare public appearance in Santa Monica last Thursday, just as news emerged that Amazon Prime Video had secured full control of the 007 franchise.
The 85-year-old Australian actor kept it casual in a red fleece-lined hoodie, a blue polo shirt, black slacks, black sneakers, and a navy-blue “2024” baseball cap while strolling under the California sun.
Amazon’s Billion-Dollar Bond Takeover
Lazenby’s outing coincided with Amazon’s $1 billion deal to gain full control of the James Bond franchise, following its $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios, according to Deadline.
Lazenby’s Brief but Impactful Bond Legacy
Over 55 years ago, Lazenby made Hollywood history by beating out 400 other actors to replace Sean Connery as James Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service—the directorial debut of Peter R. Hunt.
Adapted from Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel, the film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $82 million on a $7 million budget. Lazenby even earned a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.
Reflecting on his performance in Mark Edlitz’s 2019 book, The Many Lives of James Bond, Lazenby admitted:
“I did the best I could. I felt that I had to copy Sean Connery in a sense.”
Despite being offered a seven-film contract, Lazenby’s agent, Ronan O’Rahilly, advised him to walk away, believing that spy films would soon be outdated in the countercultural 1970s. The former Marlboro Man later regretted his decision—especially after Connery returned as Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) with a then-record $1.25 million paycheck.
A Career Beyond Bond
Unlike other Bond actors, Lazenby maintained a strong connection with fans, frequently attending conventions. His post-007 career included roles in films such as Fox Hunt, Gettysburg, The Kentucky Fried Movie, The Man from Hong Kong, Never Too Young to Die, and the Emmanuelle series.
He also made TV appearances in Baywatch, Diagnosis Murder, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, General Hospital, and The Pretender.
In 2017, Becoming Bond, a Hulu documentary about Lazenby’s life, premiered under the direction of Josh Greenbaum.
A Final Farewell to Hollywood
Lazenby has announced his retirement three times—in 1993, 2003, and 2024—but insists this time it’s final.
On July 24, he informed his 47,000 social media followers:
“This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s time to announce my retirement. No more acting, public appearances, interviews, or 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.”
Lazenby’s final role will be as the President of the United States in Luma Ilir’s upcoming action film trilogy, Mundije.
Controversy and Scandals
Despite his respected legacy, Lazenby faced controversy in 2022 when he was forced to apologize and withdraw from The Music of James Bond tour in Sydney and Perth after audience complaints about profanity, homophobic remarks, and explicit stories onstage.
Once a car salesman, Lazenby was also rumored to have romanced EGOT winner Barbra Streisand and Bond Girl Jill St. John.
Now officially retired, the former secret agent is embracing a quieter life—far from the high-stakes world of James Bond.
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