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!
You Don’t Wanna Miss These 29 Promo Codes If You Love a Bargain
Amazon makes it so easy for all of us to find amazing bargains and purchase items, even 50% off. Whether you need something for your kid, your beauty regimen, or your household, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the 29 products that currently have promo codes.
Health and household
Vitamins for hair growth
15% promo code: 15YM1UIY (valid April 8 through May 2)
Pure Himalayan organic resin for immune support
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A set of shower steamers
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Guava skin toner face sheets
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Sandalwood beard oil
10% promo code: 10GYALIVE102 (valid April 15 through April 16)
Argan oil for hair growth
10% promo code: 10GYALIVE102 (valid April 15 through April 16)
Beauty and grooming
Professional hair dryer
50% promo code: 506RX57Y (valid April 8 through April 15)
Natural exfoliating loofah scrubber
50% promo code: 50U4IUP1 (valid April 8 through April 23)
Hair crimper for creating wavy hairstyles
50% promo code: 5043CP9S (valid April 9 through April 15)
Tattoo aftercare balm
50% promo code: 50CA1Q12 (valid April 26 through May 3)
Kitchen and dining
Heated portable lunch box
48% promo code: 48NOJV62 (valid April 9 through April 19)
Spoon rest with drip pad for multiple utensils
50% promo codes: 50MOVG21 (valid April 9 through April 30)
Blender for shakes and smoothies
50% promo code: 50LN1OW5 (valid April 9 through April 30)
Cast aluminum Dutch oven
45% promo code: 45KOLLEL (valid April 9 through April 22)
Touchless kitchen faucet
10% promo code: 10I8DPNE (valid April 9 through May 8)
Glass tumbler with lid and straw
40% promo code: 40FH9XBO (valid April 9 through April 15)
Stove gap covers
40% promo code: 40TKLAG5 (valid April 9 through May 8)
Water dispenser for 5-gallon bottle
50% promo code: 50MHGRKI (valid April 9 through April 16)
Baby and nursery
Baby teether toy
50% promo code: 50DEM8W8 (valid April 16 through April 20)
Baby proofing drawer locks
50% promo code: 509ZAW8X (valid April 12 through April 16)
Indoor and outdoor retractable baby gate
50% promo code: 50AA7DL4 (valid April 12 through April 16)
Home improvement
Candle warmer lamp with timer
40% promo code: 40M76UE6 (valid April 9 through April 15)
Wooden pegboard for organizing items
50% promo code: 50B25Q8V (valid April 8 through April 30)
Under cabinet lights with motion sensor
50% promo code: 503BYJWA (valid April 8 through April 14)
Galaxy LED projector
50% promo code: 50GTK8P6 (valid April 9 through April 16)
Flameless candle with remote control
40% promo code: 40TT53K4 (valid April 8 through April 14)
Shower razor holder
50% promo code: 50XDZ883 (valid April 9 through April 15)
Waterproof solar garden lights
20% promo code: 20GN9KJ9 (valid April 8 through April 16)
Car rim repair pens for scratches
50% promo code: 50ZPFDOO (valid April 8 through April 30)
Who hasn’t battled the annoying ear wax in your favorite earbuds? It’s so easy to find a tool for solving such an issue, as it is to locate items that are both useful and entertaining.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
Preview photo credit Matt / Amazon
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