James Bond Actors: The Men Of 007

There have been six James Bond actors to characterise Agent 007. Each has brought their own charisma, style and individuality to the portrayal of Ian Fleming’s creation.

All the James Bond actors have portrayed the important James Bond attributes, such as showing a unique sense of timing and great composure in tense situations.

James Bond has been played by an Englishman (twice), an Irishman, a Welshman, a Scotsman and an Australian - undeniably a man of Britain and her Empire.

James Bond (codename 007) is famous around the world, a picture of entertainment, a man who portrays elegance and style no matter what the situation.

James Bond is the key figure in the most successful and long-lasting movie series ever created. To Bond fans, 007 is seen to be sophisticated, appealing, and intelligent - a secret agent with a licence to thrill.

Now let’s have a look at the list of James Bond actors:

* Sean Connery played the role in 6 official James Bond movies (produced by EON Productions) along with the unofficial film Never Say Never Again in 1983.

James Bond first appeared on the big screen in 1962 in the epic Dr No, with his last outing in the 2012 film Skyfall.

Now let’s have a closer look at each of the six actors to play James Bond.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery is for many people, the greatest of the James Bond actors.

Connery became an immensely popular masculine idol playing the character of Bond.

He was an incredible success with cinema audiences in the 1960s appearing in five Bond films between 1962 and 1967.

He then left the series due to the pressures of being in the media spotlight as well as the demands of lengthy film scheduling.

However, he would return to the role on two further occasions in 1971 with Diamonds Are Forever and 1983 with Never Say Never Again.

George Lazenby

George Lazenby is an Australian who became well-known after appearing in the Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969.

Originally gaining small popularity working as a model, Lazenby auditioned for the role of James Bond and won the position due to his strong fighting skills.

Considering Lazenby had no prior acting experience he did incredibly well in the role of 007. He was well acknowledged for playing Agent 007 true to the character created by Ian Fleming.

Although Lazenby acted in only one Bond movie it would turn out to be one of the most admired of the series.

Roger Moore

Roger Moore starred as James Bond in seven movies from Live and Let Die in 1973 to A View to a Kill in 1985.

Moore brought a different dimension to the 007 character, coming across as light hearted and somewhat casual in his portrayal of the famous secret agent.

In addition, he was more confident and self assured as Commander Bond. Unlike other James Bond actors, Moore was renowned for his mannerisms.

Moore’s on screen success as James Bond took the series to a new level in the 1970s and made him a global movie icon.

Moore was incredibly successful as Bond due to his likeability and humour. Overall the James Bond movies by Moore were funnier, brighter and provided incredible escapism for cinema audiences.

Roger Moore was seen as the key factor in revitalising the Bond movies at this time allowing the series to grow and continue to be successful to this day.

Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton became the fourth actor to play James Bond, starring in two movies: The Living Daylights in 1987 and Licence To Kill in 1989.

Dalton provides a serious and realistic portrayal of the Bond character. He was a highly experienced actor before taking on the role of James Bond.

Dalton had the ideal virtues in playing Agent 007 as he was good looking, extremely fit, and very imposing.

He was so keen to be successful in playing James Bond that he re-read the Ian Fleming novels in preparation for the film.

Timothy Dalton shows a more serious side to Bond than previous James Bond actors and is the second person after George Lazenby to closely portray the Ian Fleming version of Bond.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor who became the fifth person to play James Bond. Brosnan starred in four Bond films, starting with GoldenEye in 1995 and ending with Die Another Day in 2002.

He was known for bringing back humour and sophistication to the Bond character.

The Bond films with Pierce Brosnan were extremely successful at the cinema resulting in a marked resurgence in the James Bond movie series.

When GoldenEye was released it became the highest grossing Bond film. At this time, the Bond series had become notably fresher in its storylines, dialogue and action sequences.

Brosnan was seen by many to be a natural in his representation of 007 which brought him further international fame.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig is the sixth and latest in the line of James Bond actors. Craig has currently played 007 in three Bond films: Casino Royale (2006),  Quantum of Solace (2008) and Skyfall (2012).

Craig has continued in the limelight of his Bond predecessor Pierce Brosnan and become another Bond hero.

His has witnessed widespread fame acting as 007 and has been nominated for a BAFTA award (UK). In addition, playing the famous secret agent has increased his universal popularity.

Craig has vowed to bring more emotional depth to the James Bond character. Along with George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton, Craig plays 007 true to the original secret agent created by Ian Fleming.

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