One-time James Bond star George Lazenby was seen enjoying a rare public outing in Santa Monica last Thursday, just as news broke 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 as he took a stroll under the California sun.
Amazon’s Billion-Dollar Bond Takeover
Lazenby’s outing coincided with Amazon’s $1 billion deal to take control of the James Bond franchise, following its $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios, according to Deadline.
Lazenby’s Brief but Iconic Bond Legacy
More than 55 years ago, Lazenby made Hollywood history when he beat 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.
The film, adapted from Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel, became a critical and commercial success, earning $82 million on a $7 million budget. Lazenby even scored 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a seven-film contract, Lazenby’s agent, Ronan O’Rahilly, advised him to walk away, arguing that spy films would become outdated in the free-spirited 1970s. The former Marlboro Man later regretted his decision, especially when Connery returned as Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) for a then-record $1.25 million paycheck.
A Career Beyond Bond
Unlike other Bond actors, Lazenby remained deeply engaged with fans, frequently attending conventions. His post-007 career included roles in films like 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 shows like Baywatch, Diagnosis Murder, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, General Hospital, and The Pretender.
In 2017, Becoming Bond, a documentary series on Lazenby’s life, premiered on Hulu, directed by Josh Greenbaum.
A Final Farewell to Hollywood
Lazenby has announced his retirement three times—in 1993, 2003, and 2024—but this time, he insists it’s for good.
On July 24, he told 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 exit The Music of James Bond tour in Sydney and Perth after audience complaints about him cursing, making homophobic remarks, and sharing 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 retired, the former secret agent is enjoying life on his own terms—far from the high-stakes world of James Bond.
