Former James Bond star George Lazenby has retired from acting at the age of 84.
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The Australian actor followed on from Sean Connery, taking on the mantle of 007 in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He was the second actor ever cast in the role, and although he only appeared as Bond in one film, it remains beloved among fans.
Now, Lazenby has announced a heartfelt statement that he is officially retiring from acting and won’t be making any more public appearances.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work,” the actor wrote on X.
“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. 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.
(1/3) This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work. 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. It’s been a fun ride but getting older is… pic.twitter.com/OpapxbH22e
— George Lazenby (@lazenbyofficial) July 24, 2024
He added: “I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me. George xx.”
In December last year, Lazenby had a fall which caused a head injury and left him hospitalised. The actor had previously been keeping a low profile after being dropped from his own live theatre show for allegedly making inappropriate comments.
In March this year, Lazenby gave his stamp of approval for Aaron Taylor-Johnson to become the next James Bond, after the actor had been strongly linked to the role by numerous reports.
The former Bond star said that he supports Taylor-Johnson as 007 “as long as they do the character justice,” and advised the actor “to be true to himself and reinvent the role to fit him.”
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