George Lazenby rejected 6 James Bond movies and his career, later suffered the loss of his 19-year-old son to a brain tumor

In 1968, George Lazenby, now 85, was cast as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, taking over a role made famous by Sean Connery. Unfortunately, Lazenby struggled to fit into the iconic character, partly due to poor advice he received. As his fame dwindled, he shifted focus to family life, ultimately facing tragedy with the loss of his son to a malignant brain tumor in 1994.

The James Bond franchise began in 1963 with Dr. No and has since become a cultural phenomenon, featuring numerous films and actors over the decades. Sean Connery, who portrayed Bond in five films between 1962 and 1967, grew weary of the role. In a 1965 interview with Playboy, he expressed his disinterest, stating he was “sick of this Bond thing”, and found the constant association with the character monotonous.

When Connery stepped away, producers faced the daunting task of finding a successor. Lazenby, then a 29-year-old unknown actor from Australia, caught their attention after appearing in commercials for Fry’s chocolate spread. His persistence and charm helped him land the coveted role. Lazenby even spent his last savings on a tailored suit that had originally belonged to Connery.

Upon auditioning, he boldly introduced himself by saying: “I heard you’re looking for James Bond”, and was subsequently offered the part. However, upon the release of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, reviews were mixed, and comparisons to Connery overshadowed Lazenby’s performance. Notably, critic Gene Siskel remarked that Lazenby lacked the suave confidence of his predecessor.

Despite the criticism, Lazenby was presented with a $1 million contract for six more films, but his manager advised against it, suggesting he pursue other opportunities. This decision led to Lazenby being “blacklisted” in Hollywood, with a reputation for being difficult to work with.

After a brief career in film and television, Lazenby shifted to a more private life. He married Christina Gannet in 1971, and they had two children. Tragically, their son Zachary battled a brain tumor for eight years before passing away at 19, leaving Lazenby “devastated”. Gannet shared on social media that losing Zachary was a profound sorrow for them both.

Following his son’s death, Lazenby divorced Gannet and later married Olympic tennis champion Pam Shriver, with whom he has three children. Now, Lazenby reflects on his life and cherishes his role as a father, stating: “The real successes in my life are my children”. Remember Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond? Share your thoughts on his legacy!

Matthew McConaughey says Woody Harrelson might be his brother after a confession from his mom.

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are famous actors who have been in the spotlight for many years. They’ve been close friends and even starred together in the popular show “True Detective” in 2014, where their on-screen chemistry felt like a brotherly bond.

It turns out, their connection might be deeper than just friendship. Could their realistic performances have been influenced by a truth they didn’t know at the time?

According to McConaughey, he and Woody Harrelson might actually be real brothers. Not just close friends or like brothers, but actual brothers by blood.

According to Metro, McConaughey says he and Harrelson might be siblings. His mom revealed something that makes this hard to ignore.

McConaughey, who is 53 and starred in “Dallas Buyers Club,” said his mom hinted she knew Harrelson’s father well, suggesting they might have had a close relationship in the past.

McConaughey shared on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast that his mom dropped this surprising news while his and Harrelson’s families were on vacation in Greece together.

The Interstellar actor shared that one day they were talking about how people often confuse him and Harrelson in photos.

“A few years ago in Greece, we were sitting around talking about how close we are and our families,” McConaughey said.

“My mom was there and she said, ‘Woody, I knew your dad.’ Everyone noticed the pause after ‘knew.’ It was a loaded K-N-E-W.”

After hearing this, McConaughey decided to investigate his family history. He found out that while his parents were going through their second divorce, Harrelson’s father was on furlough.

Harrelson, who is 63, suggested they get DNA tests, but McConaughey isn’t sure.

McConaughey said, “It’s easier for Woody to say, ‘Let’s do DNA tests,’ because he doesn’t have much to lose. For me, it’s harder because it might mean that my dad isn’t really my dad after believing that for 53 years. I have more at stake.”

Harrelson’s father was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1973 for murdering a grain dealer, which Harrelson learned about from a radio broadcast.

The Hunger Games star told The Guardian: “I was waiting in the car for someone to pick me up from school. I was listening to the radio, and they were talking about a trial involving someone named Charles V Harrelson for murder. I thought, ‘There can’t be another Charles V Harrelson. That’s my dad!’”