Halle Berry revisited the legendary orange bikini she donned in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day during a recent appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show. The 59-year-old Oscar winner confirmed that she still owns the distinctively stringy two-piece swimsuit, which has remained memorable to fans more than 20 years after the movie’s release. This revelation came after an audience member asked Berry whether she had kept the bikini.
Berry’s cameo in the now-iconic orange bikini marked her role as Jinx, a Bond character who emerged from the ocean wearing the swimsuit paired with a thick white belt containing a concealed knife. Co-host Drew Barrymore expressed the swimsuit’s lasting impression, saying,
“Now that’s a question! It lives rent free in all of our minds.”
Berry’s ownership of the ensemble connects her closely to one of the most recognizable images in Bond film history.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Iconic Look
In a 2021 interview with Vogue, Berry revealed that selecting the perfect Bond bikini was a meticulous process.
“We tried on so many bathing suits,”
she explained, adding,
“So many bikinis and so many belts.”
She recognized early on that the swimsuit could become an enduring symbol tied to the film’s legacy, noting,
“We had a knowing that it would maybe, because it was in a Bond movie, become an iconic situation… something that would live a very, very long time.”
Berry’s role as Jinx was highly anticipated, but plans for a spin-off film centered on her character never materialized. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson advocated for such a project, but MGM declined to back it due to the estimated $80 million budget. Berry described this decision in a 2020 Variety cover story as “disappointing,” observing,
“It was ahead of its time. Nobody was ready to sink that kind of money into a black female action star. They just weren’t sure of its value. That’s where we were then.”
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Amid Lasting Fame
Aside from her Bond legacy, Berry remains a striking figure in Hollywood, frequently sharing glimpses of her fitness and wellness regimen. To celebrate her 59th birthday in August 2024, she posted a photo in a bikini that highlighted her enduring confidence and physique. Berry maintains her health through a stringent routine, which she detailed during a September 2024 interview with Marie Claire.
She credited techniques like red light therapy, regular gym workouts, and a sugar-free diet with helping her sustain a youthful appearance and energy. Berry remarked,
“Age is just a number that they stick on us at birth,”
and confidently stated,
“I feel like I’m now at the pinnacle.”
Her regimen also includes a combination of vitamins and supplements along with hormonal treatments such as progesterone, testosterone, and estriol, complemented by alternating hot and cold therapies.
For years, personal trainer Peter Lee Thomas has assisted Berry in staying in top shape for demanding film roles, underscoring her dedication to fitness and health.
The Enduring Impact of Halle Berry’s Bond Bikini
Halle Berry’s ownership of the orange Bond bikini not only preserves a connection to the iconic role of Jinx but also symbolizes a moment in film history when gender and racial dynamics around action stardom were under intense scrutiny. The studio’s hesitation to produce a spin-off around her character reflected broader industry challenges at the time.
Berry’s reflections and continued fitness enthusiasm emphasize her resilience and relevance in entertainment, inspiring audiences old and new. As she continues her career and personal milestones, including her engagement to Van Hunt, the legacy of the Halle Berry Bond bikini remains a vivid part of her lasting cultural impression.
