MI6 looks back at the various actors who have played James Bond's old CIA buddy Felix Leiter..

The Many Faces of Felix Leiter
15th December 2004

In either his literary or cinematic guise, James Bond hasn't been alone as he has always had a helping hand from a friendly ally. The fan favourite will always be Bond’s American friend, Felix Leiter, of the CIA. Leiter has got Bond out of a numerous sticky situations, and has saved 007’s neck on several occasions.

Above: Jack Lord played the fist screen incarnation of Felix Leiter in 1962's "Dr. No"

“He smiled once or twice across the table, and there was something pointed in the way he duplicated Bond’s movements, placing his two modest plaques of ten mille exactly opposite Bond’s larger ones…’ My Name’s Felix Leiter,’ said the American. ‘Glad to meet you.’ ‘Mine’s Bond – James Bond.’” - Casino Royale

Jack Lord
Film: Dr. No
Fancy Seeing You - 007 runs into Felix in a Jamaican bar, where he first discovers that he and Leiter are both working on the Dr. No case.
Beyond 007 - Jack Lord featured in just 7 films after Dr. No before his death in January 1998.
Character Profile

Cec Linder
Film: Goldfinger
Fancy Seeing You - In Goldfinger, Leiter is brought in to “keep an eye” on James when his investigations move to the US. However, Felix never quite catches on that 007 is being held captive by Goldfinger’s men. Eventually Felix calls in the army to apprehend Goldfinger and save the day.
Beyond 007 - After Goldfinger, Linder played roles in numerous TV productions, and his most notable film was 1973’s A Touch of Class.
Character Profile

Rik Van Nutter Film: Thunderball Fancy Seeing You - Felix assists James in Thunderball in tracking Largo and his movements. The CIA has quite a set-up out in the Bahamas, that appears to be located in the basement of a shop. Beyond 007 - Rik Van Nutter has not played in any big named films since 1965 and Thunderball. His latest production, Pacific Inferno, was back in ’79. Character Profile Right: Rik Van Nutter failed to make an impression as Leiter in 1964's "Thunderball"

Norman Burton
Film: Diamonds Are Forever
Fancy Seeing You - When in the US, 007 again calls on the help of his old friend, Felix, and his CIA partners, to follow the diamond trail, as well as helping out at the customs office, by bringing in, undetected, a dead body full of diamonds.
Beyond 007 - Burton had a good career but did not star in any big named films. In 2003, Norman Burton passed away after being involved in a car accident.
Character Profile

David Hedison Film: Live And Let Die Fancy Seeing You - Again Bond’s assignment leads him to the US and Felix is ready to help out. When Bond arrives on the scene, Felix and the CIA tell 007 they’ve been watching Kananga . Later, Felix takes a more active role and captains the boat taking 007 and Quarrel Jnr. to Dr Kananga's’s voodoo island. Beyond 007 - Before Bond, Hedison made a name on TV with his role in the programme Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, which first aired in 1964. He was brought back in to perform Felix Leiter once more in Licence to Kill (1989). Character Profile Left: David Hedison is the only actor to reprise his role as Felix Leiter ("Live And Let Die" (1973), "Licence To Kill" (1989)).

John Terry
Film: The Living Daylights
Fancy Seeing You - After Bond has faked the assassination of General Pushkin, Felix picks up Bond using two alluring girls who are “looking for a party”. Once the friends are reunited, Leiter acts as 007’s eyes and ears using the CIA’s surveillance systems to help Bond avoid the guards and get into Whitaker’s safe house.
Beyond 007 - Since The Living Daylights, Terry has performed in a number of film productions, notably Of Mice and Men, (in 1992) and has taken up a leading role in the new film Steal Me, due out in 2005.
Character Profile

David Hedison
Film: Licence To Kill
Fancy Seeing You - Bond reunites with his old buddy Felix at the Leiter's wedding. Soon, the drug lord Sanchez captures Leiter. Felix is betrayed by another old friend and fed to a shark, losing an arm and a leg and only narrowly surviving. 007 is out to avenge his friend, and after going rogue, Bond takes on Sanchez in an attempt to take down the whole of his organization.
Beyond 007 - Since Licence to Kill, Hedison’s acting career has slowed. He has since appeared in TV’s The Young and the Restless and plays a supporting role in the recent crime/comedy film, Death By Committee.
Character Profile

“‘Arranging the flowers by your bed. Part of the famous CIA “Service With a Smile”.’ The tall thin man came forward with a wide grin…’Felix Leiter! What the hell are you doing here?’” - Live and Let Die

One And The Same
Although six different actors in seven films have performed as Leiter, the character has always maintained a similar appearance of: black/grey hair, medium build, light complexion and often seen wearing sunglasses and dressed in a casual suit.

Throughout the legacy, Bond and Leiter have always remained friends, but the filmmakers have revealed only a little on the subject of Felix’s private life. Their relationship shown on film has always been professional and not much is ever given away regarding his interests or family. "Licence to Kill" is the only film in which Felix and James are together outside “business hours”, as Bond attends Leiter's wedding.

Related Articles
Movie Allies