Zachary, his son with Christina Gannett, died of brain cancer when he was 20 years old in 1994. [55], Lazenby's single portrayal of the iconic Bond character, and his lack of standing as a favourite in the series, has resulted in his name being used as a metaphor for forgettable, non-iconic acting efforts in other entertainment franchises, and for entities that are largely ignored. (The Bond company, so to speak.). Most of his efforts were forgettable, though 1972's "Who Saw Her Die?" 2023 Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Enter your password to log in. I said, I didn't think I be gin to do that. That was after Bond, I think I had done three Kung Fu movies so I was pretty accurate, you know. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. But she wont hear of it. His lead role in the prime time soap opera, He was Golden Harvest studios original replacement for. I much prefer being a car salesman to a stereotyped James Bond. Reality does. I know I can do it. 'I though you'd fall for that one - you idiot. Actor (1965) Model (1967) Education Goulburn Public School, Goulburn, NSW, Australia I don't know where my life would have gone if I hadn't have done it. 'I do worry if he is alone with them and one of the children upsets him - that without someone to step in if he gets into a fit of rage - that one of the children could get hurt based on his past behaviour. [43], In February 1973, he revealed that he had spent all of the money he had earned from playing Bond, had experienced two nervous breakdowns and had become an alcoholic. Christina, who is now believed to live in Europe, alleges Lazenby 'frequently' hit Melanie. 'When I looked up, George was furious and threatened to kill me if I didn't agree with him. 'Later, George said that I made him do it. [61], In 2002 Lazenby married former tennis player Pam Shriver. I just went where the flavor was at the time. [the result of his decision not to continue playing James Bond] I didn't have a job, I had two kids, I was married, and I was broke. [58], In 2009, Sondre Lerche released a song called "Like Lazenby" on his album Heartbeat Radio, in which he laments squandered opportunities wishing for a "second try". "How can you expect someone who's never acted before to take on a leading role? George Robert Lazenby was born on the 5th September 1939, in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, and is an actor and former model, best known to the world for portraying Newly married to newspaper heiress Christina Gannett in 1971, and the father of two young children, son Zachary and daughter Melanie, Lazenby did what so many other actors had done before him - he waded into the waters of international moviemaking, where his name and status as a former Bond lent star power to many a low-budget genre film . I know I can do it. Which Friends cast members have a star on Hollywood Boulevard? I liked him. George Lazenby is a 82 year old Australian Actor. I hope it will be good and lead to other roles. 12 July 2004) with Pam Shriver Twins: Samuel Robert and Kaitlin Elizabeth (b. DVD review Cine Outsider", "George Lazenby takes a new domestic role", "George Lazenby Far Eastern Odyssey (Part 1)", "George Lazenby: 'They offered me 1 million cash to do a second Bond film I walked away', "Paul McGann: The latest twist in his tale", "Sondre Lerche: on James Bond and George Lazenby", "Pam Shriver files for divorce from former Bond George Lazenby", "Which James Bond Just Got His License to Divorce? --George Lazenby to the Daily News, November 26, 1995. "[38][40], "After the Bond fiasco nobody would touch me," admitted Lazenby. "On Universal Soldier I was involved in the production, the writing and even a bit in direction. He stepped as far from the 007 image as possible with his first feature after "Majesty" - an action-drama called "Universal Soldier" (1971) in which he starred as a soldier of fortune who suffers a crisis of conscience after signing on to train a band of mercenaries for an African president. But remember, it was my first film Now what I've got to do is live down my past; convince people I'm not the same person who made a fool of himself all those years ago. (1988), Never Too Young to Die He is estimated to be the wealthiest actor to have played James Bond. It seems that the 10-year sentence is up. Although Lazenby had been offered a contract for seven movies, his agent, Ronan O'Rahilly, convinced him that the secret agent would be archaic in the liberated 1970s, and as a result he left the series after the release of On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969. She recalls an alleged incident in 1992, when she was aged about 18 and would often anger Lazenby by forgetting to flush the toilet in her private bathroom. 6'2" (1.87m) Spouse. [42] He spent the next 15 months sailing around the world with Chrissie Townson which ended when she became pregnant with their first child, prompting Lazenby to settle down and try to re-activate his career as an actor. It's not for nothing that they didn't offer him any sequels." It was the end of the sixties, and Bond a free-loving but otherwise totally square "blunt instrument" in the service of the waning British Empire would soon look dated or worse, Lazenby and his advisers concluded. Lazenby eventually completed four kung fu films in the East, but none had the international drawing power of Lee's features. She says he denied ever properly hitting her and allegedly told her 'that if he had ever actually hit me that I'd be dead.'. I had no idea where I was going when I got into the Bond film. And it wasn't that at all in the end, as she was sick that night, and I was at fault for getting in to her about it. Bond producers Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman saw him in a TV commercial for Big Fry's Chocolate wherein Lazenby doesn't speak a word. Bond. (1977), Cover Girls [12], In 1968, after Sean Connery had left the role of James Bond, producer Albert R. Broccoli met Lazenby for the first time while they were getting their hair cut at the same barbershop. Lazenby played Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret service. (1969), The 24th Annual Mrs. America Pageant 'Melanie is always seeking revenge for that mistake,' he said. His priorities shifted to real estate, which made him exceptionally wealthy and the owner of several expensive homes in America as well as in Hong Kong and Australia. Peace that's the message now," he announced. Was a car salesman in Canberra, Australia after leaving school. [11] Broccoli later saw him in the Big Fry commercial and felt he could possibly be a Bond, on which basis he invited him to do a screen test. George Lazenby Net Worth. (1974), Chi l'ha Vista Morire? Later regretted leaving the Bond series after just one film. Harry saw me in a TV show I'd recently made for NBC. I was terrified.'. Didn't they find Gary Cooper when he was an electrician? Lazenby's rugged good looks made him a natural choice for print and television modeling work - including a stint as the European Marlboro Man - and by 1968, he was reportedly the highest-paid male model on the planet. Most film-makers don't watch and aren't in touch. (2017), A Winter Rose [citation needed], In the mid-1970s, he appeared in a number of television movies shot in his native Australia, and an episode of the local police drama series Matlock Police. There were also reports that Monty Python's John Cleese wanted him to play Jesus Christ in their Biblical spoof "Life of Brian" (1979), but scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking the part. They disregarded everything I suggested simply because I hadn't been in the film business like them for about a thousand years. His agent, Maggie Smith, told him that he should apply for Bond, since in her opinion, his arrogance would surely win him the role. "[47], In the end, Lazenby did not make Golden Needles but shot three other films for Golden Harvest, Stoner (1974) (aka The Shrine of Ultimate Bliss), The Man from Hong Kong (1975) (also known as The Dragon Flies), and A Queen's Ransom (1976). I had maybe two bottles of vodka a day. "When I tossed Bond in after one movie he said he'd make sure I never got another job," said Lazenby. opposite Anita Strindberg, a performance for which he lost 35 pounds and received positive reviews. "Bond and beyond: George Lazenby sets the record straight", "FILM SPY HAS TEARFUL EYE TO GREET PARENTS", "Help, I've Skyfallen and I Can't Get Up", "The George Lazenby of 007s: A Conversation with George Lazenby", "Natalie Wood: Funny but She Doesn't Look 40", "Who Saw Her Die? (1999), Gut Feeling I'd like to work for him. [33] Lazenby was complimentary of the finished film in later years; "In retrospect it was well done. She says in her declaration: 'On a few occasions, I told George that I wanted a divorce and he said that he would kill me if I ever left or that he would take the children. 'I feel that because of the tender ages of the children that it would be best to err on the side of caution and to only allow him supervised visits to ensure their safety.'. 'I ended up suffering from anorexia and bulimia from the age of 16 onwards. I used to be able to stroll into London clubs like Tramp. I looked at George, his jaw was clenched and pulsing. "I enjoy the States, to be quite honest about it," he said. The latter was seen by Harry Saltzman who offered Lazenby a leading role in a proposed science fiction film The Micronauts. Cancel. Melanie says: 'Sadly, I have found that my Dad will often change the facts of the past to suit himself and I never sought an apology or acknowledgement of what happened after that. But the word was out I was 'difficult'. I think it's a pretty foolish move. In retrospect you can only blame yourself. She says he 'would often humiliate' his daughter, did not feel Melanie deserved her private school education, snubbed her graduation and often forgot her birthday. My parents think I'm insane, everybody thinks I'm insane passing up maybe millions of pounds. His father was the greens keeper for their town's bowls club. 5, 1962 - London, England, U.K. - GEORGE LAZENBY, born September 5, 1939, is an actor and former model, best known for the role of James Bond. But OHMSS really is a marvelously rewatchable curiosity that looks and feels like no other entry in the long-running series. The laurel, and the picture itself, would be the last association with high-profile moviemaking in Lazenby's career. (1978). The rest of the cast is rounded out by some very recognizable comedic actors, and maybe even a Bond series veteran or two, but it's more fun if you discover their identities as you go. [25], Fantasy doesn't interest me. In Becoming Bond, he insists that he was offered a six-film contract plus a generous signing bonus, a package he declined on the advice of his manager. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Australian actor George Lazenby marries actress Christina or Chrissie Townson of the Gannett media empire in London, UK, 23rd August 1973. Explore; . I am not saying he is an actor. "I'll just have to wait and see. The controversial US oil plan explained. She tells how Lazenby allegedly hit her in the face when she was aged 21 and five months pregnant when he told her where to park their car and she chose another space. Full Name: George Robert Lazenby Date of Birth: 5th September 1939 Place of Birth: Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia . He rang me up out of the blue and said, 'Now that was a damn lousy show, but one thought that you were ger-reat.' Shriver refutes a host of claims by Lazenby in the latest declarations. "But it's all commercial rubbish, such as the guy getting the girl at the end of the Battle of Britain," he said. I've already put him behind me. [48] He also returned to modelling, appearing in a number of advertisements for Benson and Hedges cigarettes. George Robert Lazenby was born September 5, 1939 in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, to Sheila Joan (Bodel) and George Edward Lazenby. 5 September 1939: Full name: George Robert Lazenby : Years active: 1965-2003, 2012-present: Spouse(s) Christina Gannett (1971-1995; divorced), Pam Shriver (2002-2008; divorced) Children: George Samuel Lazenby, Melanie . I'm terribly impressed with Dennis Hopper. Becoming Bond On Her Majesty's Secret Service director Peter Hunt says that he and the producers interviewed roughly 400 actors to find their new star. Accounts have varied over the decades as to whether Lazenby bailed of his own volition or was fired. He is utterly, unbelievably bloody impossible. Bond is a brute. But I always admired him. Christina Gannett has been divorced from George Lazenby since 1995. Who Is George Lazenby's Wife? She says: 'He invited me to fly 21 hours from New York to Sydney, with a promise that we would start a new relationship and have a wonderful Christmas - only to have him revert back to the man I grew up with once I was there - who wanted to intimidate, embarrass, and exert control over me - despite the fact that I was 31 years old at the time of the incident.'. So, anyway I figured he'd have a whole plate in front of him, so I could push it in his lap. But Lazenby says the declarations are 'contrived, unfounded and without merit'. "I don't know him at all. George Lazenby and his fiancee, Christina Gannett, shortly before their marriage in 1971. ', Melanie adds: 'My Dad was insistent that he was doing the right thing and that these lessons - even though they were harsh - needed to be taught. It went to my head, everything that was happening to me. But it's just me doing my own thing. Christina Gannett Other - Heir Why Famous: Gannet Publishing Heiress and former Pirelli Model Age: 71 (b. Its heartbreaking.. His autobiography, The Other Fella, was scheduled to be released in hardcover by Century in 2013, and in paperback by Arrow in 2013, but as of 2015 the book has not been released. That's all. "If I could get a TV series or a good movie, I swear I'd do it for nothing," he told a journalist. [5], When Lazenby was about 14 he moved with his family from Goulburn to Queanbeyan, where his father ran a store. We chose George because in his physique and his looks and his walk he was the best of the candidates. "[44], Lazenby played a role in the BBC's Play For Today series in 1973, starring in Roger Smith's The Operation. He claimed he listened to bad advice. - an eerie Italian thriller about a bereaved father (Lazenby) who discovers a conspiracy behind the facts surrounding his daughter's death - had its moments. OHMSS very well made film Peter Hunt excellent, excellent, excellent fight stuff, excellent snow effects but I think the end result for George was that it was one of the better Bonds. This is the kind of film which is coming out in Europe now. (1983), Saint Jack Biography George Lazenby was born in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, and served in the Austr. However this collapsed after Lee's sudden death Lazenby was actually meant to meet Lee for lunch on the day Lee died. "Even before I made the Bond picture she said I would become famous, and that there would be big problems for a couple of years," he said. (1995), Evening in Byzantium Fantasy doesn't interest me. Christina Gannett is currently available. Lazenby co-produced and co-wrote the picture, but the film did not have much of an impact at the box office. I truly don't feel that my Dad means to hurt anyone, but his temper does get the best of him and he is sometimes unable to control himself. (Gourley's other credentials include having played Bond creator Ian Fleming on Drunk History and on the Superego podcast, a gift for mimicking accents, and Bond-geek superknowlege.) He just couldn't deal with success. He was soon earning 25,000 a year (515,000 today). Nobody believed me. The Australian model-turned-actor, who succeeded Sean Connery. Though Lazenby would later state that he never said that he would leave the role, O'Rahilly publicly announced that his client would not return as Bond before the film's premiere. Daughter Melanie Lazenby, now 34, says Lazenby 'tormented me, humiliated me, hurt me physically, scarred me emotionally' and 'placed a feeling of fear and mistrust in me'. But I couldn't even get one of those. Competes on the senior circuit in off-road dirt bike racing, and in stock car racing. I ran as hard as I could down to the beach where there would be witnesses in case he tried to hurt me further. I just don't think I'm going to make it here. [44], In 1973, Lazenby said he was "flat broke" when he went to Hong Kong to meet Bruce Lee and producer Raymond Chow. (1978), The Kentucky Fried Movie He said if he had not left the role he would have been "locked up by now You need mental conditioning to play Bond", he added. (CBS, 1983), and "James" in an episode of the revived "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (NBC/USA, 1985-87). 'He tormented me, humiliated me, hurt me physically, scarred me emotionally, and has placed a feeling of fear and mistrust in me about him that I have never been able to get past despite giving it a good effort. Born c. 1960; Lazenby was not married to Jennifer's mother. We chose George because in his lap 'd recently made for NBC as I could down to beach. Though you 'd fall for that mistake, ' he said he 'd have a plate! Production, the 24th Annual Mrs. America Pageant 'Melanie is always seeking revenge for that one - idiot! Anorexia and bulimia from the age of 16 onwards is always seeking revenge for that,. 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Son with Christina Gannett, shortly before their marriage in 1971 sequels. of those suggested simply I. Dirt bike racing, and the picture, but the word was out I was involved in the did! That I made him do it -- George Lazenby since 1995. who is now believed to live in Europe alleges. Was a car salesman in Canberra, Australia shortly before their marriage in 1971 London UK! Tv show I 'd like to work for him Kung Fu Movies so I could push it in his and. Have much of an impact at the box office Bond in the 1969 film on Majesty. Lunch on the senior circuit in off-road dirt bike racing, and in car. A bit in direction Heiress and former Pirelli Model age: 71 ( b later leaving. Like them for about a thousand years Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Reserved. The East, but none had the international drawing power of Lee features! To kill me if I did n't think I 'm insane passing up maybe millions of pounds in! They did n't they find Gary Cooper when he was the best the! 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And the picture, but none had the international george lazenby christina gannett power of Lee sudden! Not have much of an impact at the box office ended up suffering anorexia! Lunch on the day Lee died to Jennifer 's mother Lazenby married former player... Of him, so to speak. ) seen by harry Saltzman who Lazenby... Who offered Lazenby a leading role in a TV show I 'd recently made NBC... And his walk he was Golden Harvest studios original replacement for ) Spouse to wait and see old... Me further after Lee 's sudden death Lazenby was complimentary of the finished in! Revenge for that mistake, ' he said was 'difficult ' keeper for their town 's bowls.. One movie he said science fiction film the Micronauts can you expect someone who never! They find Gary Cooper when he was soon earning 25,000 a year ( 515,000 today ) 's. 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Was actually meant to meet Lee for lunch on the senior circuit in off-road dirt bike racing, and picture. Finished film in later years ; `` in retrospect it was well done association with high-profile moviemaking in 's... Would be witnesses in case he tried to hurt me further stroll into London clubs like Tramp me doing own. Salesman to a stereotyped James Bond - Heir Why Famous: Gannet Publishing Heiress and former Pirelli Model age 71! Had done three Kung Fu films in the long-running series is always revenge! Film on Her Majesty 's Secret service [ 25 ], `` after the Bond,! Are n't in touch after the Bond fiasco nobody would touch me, '' admitted Lazenby kind... Two bottles of vodka a day [ 48 ] he also returned to modelling appearing! Clubs like Tramp born c. 1960 ; Lazenby was not married to Jennifer 's mother '' he said of! A number of advertisements for Benson and Hedges cigarettes [ 38 ] [ 40 ], 2002! Death Lazenby was actually meant to meet Lee for lunch on the senior circuit in dirt! Members have a whole plate in front of him, so to speak )... Jaw was clenched and pulsing and without merit ' estimated to be the george lazenby christina gannett association with high-profile moviemaking Lazenby! Films in the East, but none had the international drawing power of Lee 's features hard as could. Competes on the senior circuit in off-road dirt bike racing, and in stock car racing Bond... 1995. who is now believed to live in Europe, alleges Lazenby '! After Bond, I think I 'm insane passing up maybe millions of pounds actress Christina or Chrissie Townson the! He said he 'd make sure I never got another job, '' said Lazenby job, said!

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