Australians in Hollywood : Biographical Notes

George Lazenby
Goulburn born George Lazenby (b. 1939) is still the only Australian to have played James Bond. Lazenby was modelling in London when Sean Connery vacated the role in 1968. 414 hopefuls tried out for the part – Lazenby's lusty audition, during which he inadvertently broke a stuntman's nose, got him the job. His sole outing as 007, On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), is still rated one of the better Bond films. The film did poorly at the box office, and Lazenby, although signed to make a further two Bonds, walked away from the franchise – a decision he later ascribed to “bad advice.” Sean Connery returned for Diamonds are Forever (1971) before passing the baton to Roger Moore. Lazenby went on to appear in such films as The Man From Hong Kong (1975), Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), Eyes of the Beholder (1993), Fatally Yours (1995) and 4 Dogs Playing Poker (2000). His TV work has included appearances in Hawaii Five-O , General Hospital , Baywatch and The Pretender.

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