George Lazenby Retires
24th July 2024
The one-time James Bond is stepping away from public life. Effective forthwith
By MI6 Staff
Australian actor George Lazenby has announced he is stepping down from public life and retiring from work at the age of 84. The former James Bond actor took over from Sean Connery in 1969's 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' but bowed out of a multi-film contract, making him the only one-shot 007.
Announcing his decision on social media, Lazneby wrote: "This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work. Therefore, I won’t be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun."
He added: "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. George xx"
His one Bond film has - rightly - been reassessed in recent years and has become a celebrated Bond classic, so much so that the 25th outing 'No Time To Die' was heavily influenced by its story and music. Lately, Lazenby has gotten into hot water for his warts-and-all comments at events. He was hospitalized in November last year after a fall.