George Lazenby, who portrayed James Bond in the 1969 film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," has announced his retirement from public appearances and autograph signings.
George Lazenby, the second actor to play the iconic role of James Bond in the film franchise, has made the decision to retire from public life. The announcement, made on Thursday through the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), marks the end of an era for the 83-year-old actor.
Known for his portrayal of Bond in the 1969 film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," Lazenby's decision to leave behind the world of public appearances and autograph signings was not an easy one. In his statement, he expressed his gratitude to his manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for his support over the years.
George Lazenby, Former James Bond Actor, Announces Retirement
Lazenby's retirement decision stems from his desire to spend more time with his family after years of dedicated work in the entertainment industry. He acknowledged the challenges of aging, stating, "Getting older is no fun."
After taking over the Bond role from Sean Connery, Lazenby was offered a seven-film contract but declined it following the advice of his agent. He went on to star in a series of Bond parody films, including "The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E."
George Lazenby, Former James Bond Actor, Announces Retirement
Lazenby's career saw him relocate to Australia after completing work in Hong Kong, where he featured in numerous TV movies and shows. He later returned to Hollywood in the late 1970s, starring in "Saint Jack" and roles in "Hawaii Five-0" and "Evening in Byzantium."
In 2021, he appeared in "In the Blink of an Eye" and has two movies, "Z Dead End" and "Mundije 2," currently in production.
George Lazenby, Former James Bond Actor, Announces Retirement
Lazenby's personal life has also been marked by both joy and tragedy. He married his first wife, Chrissie Townson, in 1973 and had two children with her; a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Melanie. Their son Zachary was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 11 and passed away at the age of 19.
Lazenby later married his second wife, Pam Shriver, in 2002, but the couple filed for divorce in 2008. They had three children together; Kaitlin, George, and Samuel.
George Lazenby's contribution to the James Bond franchise and his subsequent acting career have left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry. His decision to retire marks the end of an era, but his legacy as the enigmatic and charming James Bond from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
