Former James Bond actor George Lazenby has announced his retirement at the age of 84. The Australian actor, best known for playing 007 in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, made the statement on X on Thursday.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work,” he wrote. “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.”
He continued: “It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun.
“I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 – the best representative I ever had. I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family.”
He concluded: “My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me.”
Lazenby worked as a model before taking over one of the most iconic roles in cinema from Sean Connery – who then came back for Diamonds Are Forever after Lazenby declined to return.
Subsequent films included Universal Soldier, Who Saw Her Die?, The Man From Hong Kong and The Kentucky Fried Movie, but Lazenby moved away from showbiz in the late 1970s, investing in businesses and real estate.
He was the subject of 2017 docudrama Becoming Bond, about his mixed experiences with the franchise and how his decision to leave affected his life and career.
Earlier this year, Lazenby was one of a number of actors associated with the series who backed Aaron Taylor-Johnson to take over the role after Daniel Craig’s departure.
In 2022, Lazenby apologised after making comments many considered sexist and homophobic during a concert of James Bond music in Perth. He was subsequently removed from the rest of the Australian tour.
“I am sorry and saddened to hear that my stories in Perth on Saturday might have offended some people,” he said in a statement.
“It was never my intention to make hurtful or homophobic comments and I am truly sorry if my stories that I have shared many times were taken that way.”
