George Lazenby Bio
George Robert Lazenby (born 5 September 1939) is an Australian retired actor, best known for his role as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He began his career in modeling and commercials before landing the iconic role in 1969. Lazenby became famous for portraying Bond, although he only played the character once. Despite facing challenges in his acting career post-Bond, Lazenby has gained recognition for his unique contribution to the franchise, and in 2024, he announced his retirement from acting to focus on his family.
Early Life and Background
George Robert Lazenby was born on 5 September 1939 in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, to railway worker George Edward Lazenby and retail worker Sheila Joan Lazenby. He attended Goulburn Public School and later Goulburn High School until 1954. Lazenby spent 18 months in the hospital as a child due to an operation that left him with only half a kidney. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Queanbeyan, where his father ran a store. After serving in the Australian Army, he worked as a car salesman and mechanic.
Path to Hollywood
In 1964, Lazenby moved to London to pursue a romantic interest. While working as a car salesman in Finchley, he was discovered by a talent scout who encouraged him to become a model. He quickly gained fame, earning £25,000 a year and winning the title of Top Model of the Year in 1966. His modeling career included a well-known advertisement for Fry’s chocolate bars, which helped him gain visibility in the entertainment industry. This exposure ultimately led to his casting as James Bond in 1969.
George Lazenby Career
Early Career (1963–1969)
Lazenby’s professional acting career began in 1963, primarily in commercials and modeling. His breakthrough came in 1968 when he was cast as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, replacing Sean Connery. Despite having no prior film experience, Lazenby impressed producers during his audition. The film was released in 1969, marking his first and only appearance as the iconic spy. Although the film received mixed reviews initially, it has since gained a more positive reputation over the years.
Breakthrough (1969–1971)
Lazenby’s portrayal of James Bond was significant, as he was the first actor to take on the role after Sean Connery. However, he chose not to reprise the role in subsequent films, believing that the character would become outdated in the changing cultural landscape of the 1970s. His decision was influenced by his agent’s advice and his own dissatisfaction with the treatment he received on set. Following his Bond debut, Lazenby appeared in Universal Soldier (1971), which he helped write, and received positive reviews for his performance in the Italian giallo film Who Saw Her Die? (1972).
Notable Works and Milestones
Lazenby’s most notable work remains On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. While he faced challenges in securing roles after his Bond portrayal, he continued to work in various films and television series, including The Man from Hong Kong (1975) and several television movies in Australia.
George Lazenby Award Nominations
Throughout his career, George Lazenby has not received any major award nominations, reflecting the challenges he faced in the industry following his portrayal of James Bond.
George Lazenby Awards Won
George Lazenby has not won any major awards during his acting career, highlighting the unique circumstances of his post-Bond career and the challenges he encountered in the film industry.
George Lazenby Family
George Lazenby has been married twice. His first marriage was to Chrissie Townson from 1973 to 1995, with whom he had two children, Melanie Andrea Lazenby and Zachary Lazenby. Tragically, Zachary passed away in 1994 due to a malignant brain tumor. Lazenby later married former tennis player Pam Shriver in 2002, and they had three children, including George Junior Lazenby, born in 2004. The couple divorced in 2011.
Personal Life
Lazenby has faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues following his departure from the Bond franchise. In late 2023, he was hospitalized after a fall, and in 2025, it was revealed that he has dementia, with his ex-wife Pam Shriver providing care for him. Lazenby has expressed a desire to focus on his family and has announced his retirement from acting and public appearances.
