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!
My Parents Abandoned Me and My Siblings When I Was 15 — Years Later They Came At My Door Smiling
I was fifteen when my world shattered. My parents, whom I had always relied on, were frantically packing their belongings right before my eyes. “We’ll call child services.
They’ll take you away,” my father’s voice echoed as he stuffed his suitcase with clothes and belongings. I stood there, paralyzed, watching the chaos unfold, unable to comprehend the reality of what was happening. My little brothers, James, aged six, and Lucas, aged five, clung to me, their wide eyes filled with confusion and fear.
When the door slammed shut behind them, leaving us behind, the weight of responsibility crashed down on me. I became a parent overnight, thrust into a world I was unprepared for. The days that followed were a blur of panic, desperation, and sorrow. I tried my best to care for my brothers, but it wasn’t long before we were found and placed into the foster care system. The heart-wrenching separation from James and Lucas left a void in my heart that nothing could fill.
Struggles of Survival
The years that followed were a grueling test of endurance and willpower. I bounced from one foster home to another, each one a new challenge. Some were kind, but others were harsh and unloving.
The streets became my sanctuary at times, a place where I learned the harsh realities of life. I scraped by, working odd jobs, doing whatever it took to survive. The pain of being separated from my brothers never left me. Every night, I would lie awake, wondering where they were, if they were safe, if they remembered me.
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