From 1962’s Dr. No to 2021’s No Time to Die, the James Bond series has produced 27 films to date. The character of James Bond has been a pop culture icon for decades because of its timeless appeal and iconic style.
James Bond is a suave spy who loves martinis, romancing enemy agents, and stopping villains. He’s calm under pressure and controls his emotions during dangerous missions.
When it comes to James Bond actors, George Lazenby is often not as well-acclaimed as the rest. He had no acting experience and had the shortest run as 007, starring in just one movie. So, to step into Sean Connery’s shoes, Lazenby underwent a complete makeover.
George Lazenby Got a Complete Makeover to Audition for James Bond
According to the New York Post, George Lazenby, who played James Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, first got a makeover to audition for the role. He visited Sean Connery’s barber, Kurt, and asked him to give him a Bond-like haircut.
The barber also told the actor about Connery’s tailor, Anthony Sinclair, where Lazenby then went to get a Bond-like suit.
Although there wasn’t enough time for a custom suit, Sinclair got him that suit that Connery had rejected, which fit him perfectly. After the makeover to look just like Bond, he then came up with some lies.
George Lazenby Also Lied to Become James Bond
When casting director Dyson Lovell took Lazenby to meet producer Harry Saltzman, he created a fake acting resume on his way to the meeting. But, he later admitted this deception to director Peter Hunt, according to the New York Post:
“‘I’ve never acted a day in my life. I’ve modeled but never spoken in front of a camera.’ And he’s looking at me, ‘What? And you say you can’t act? You’ve fooled two of the most ruthless men I’ve ever met in my life. Stick to your story, and I’ll make you the next James Bond.’”
Lazenby got to play in only one Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). He declined a long-term contract offer for more Bond movies, and Sean Connery returned for Diamonds Are Forever (1971), which made way for Roger Moore, who appeared in Live and Let Die (1973).
Although the actor intended to make the next Bond film, before the release of OHMSS, he had changed his mind, saying that he no longer wished to play another Bond role because the producers made him feel like he was “mindless.”
Watch On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) on Prime Video.
Source: New York Post
