My agent couldn't believe it. It went to my head, everything that was happening to me. [19] However, by November 1969, and prior to the release of OHMSS, Lazenby said he no longer wished to play another Bond role, saying, "The producers made me feel like I was mindless. In happier times; Shriver and Lazenby with their son Georgie. Lazenby had never spoken one line in a movie. It went to my head, everything that was happening to me. She couldn't drive the car properly and I got in to her about her drinking and things like that. [14], Broccoli offered him an audition. She claims he taunted her by calling her 'Miss Ethiopia' when she was at her thinnest. Craig was born in March of 1968, more or less the exact time when Lazenby was Becoming Bond. In a September 2006 episode of The Daily Show, comedian John Oliver suggested that Pope Benedict XVI is the George Lazenby of the papacy, in comparison to "John Paul II's Sean Connery". Lazenby's later screen appearance came at the turn of the 21st century when he appeared on several episodes of "The Pretender" (NBC, 1996-2000) and voiced The King, head of the Royal Flush gang, on the animated "Batman Beyond" (The WB, 1999-2001). Relationships. She says on one occasion when she was about 18, Lazenby pushed her head down a toilet into her own urine. (1988), Never Too Young to Die [5], When Lazenby was about 14 he moved with his family from Goulburn to Queanbeyan, where his father ran a store. They disregarded everything I suggested simply because I hadn't been in the film business like them for about a thousand years. She wants to cut my throat and leave me with nothing. Its heartbreaking.. And then I kinda got on the bandwagon and sort of said, 'I must be who they say I am' and demanded limousines and the whole bit. But she wont hear of it. Later regretted leaving the Bond series after just one film. It is really just a series of happenings which keep the audience entertained. Lazenby had a few more, minor film roles before moving into property investment, buying mansions in Australia, Hawaii and California. first to the Christina Gannett (1971-1995) (heiress to the Gannett News Service publishing empire) and then from 2002 to 2008 to tennis . 1/19/1952) Christina Gannett's Relationships (1) George Lazenby Entertainment - Actor After the Bond fiasco nobody would touch me. "I enjoy the States, to be quite honest about it," he said. Alas I cannot say the same for Cubby Broccoli. But Sean Connery, who'd quit the role with one film remaining on his contract only to be lured back twice, eventually got to seven, too. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Twin Sitters ", "George Lazenby moves house to Brentwood, California, for $2.8m", "Life of Brian: The Criterion Collection", George Lazenby at the National Film and Sound Archive, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Lazenby&oldid=1142129753, Season 4 episode 38: "In the Name of the Queen", Season 11 episode 21: "The Year of the Horse", Season 1 episode 12: "The End of the World", Season 4 episode 15: "Diamonds Aren't Forever", Season 2 episode 1: "Return of the Shadow Assassin", This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 17:45. (1977), The Man From Hong Kong 'I wanted to play fair with Pam to let her share the kids 50/50. The series - in which he played a writer and former love interest of main vixen Tina Louise - fared poorly and was cancelled after only a year. PICTURED: George Lazenby with first wife, CHRISTINA GANNETT. According to our records, Christina Gannett is possibly single. [2] He declined to return in subsequent Bond films and instead pursued roles in films throughout the 1970s that included Universal Soldier (1971), Who Saw Her Die? This account already exists. He still logged time in features and television - most notably in "Gettysburg" (1993) as General J. Johnston Pettigrew, and as the suave Mario, who listens to Sylvia Kristel's Emmanuelle recount her erotic past in a series of softcore made-for-cable films between 1992 and 1995. Semi-retired from acting in 1993, and intended to retire completely in 2003, only to return to acting in 2012, averaging one film or television role per year since restarting, with two films in the pipeline as of 2020.. Courtesy: Everett Collection Everybody has to do it. I think James Bond is great, but some of his little idiosyncracies I don't like, such as champagne and caviar, which I can't stand. (2000), James Bond: The Secret Life of 007 In her 10-page statement, Melanie tells how Lazenby was waiting with a gun when she returned home with a college friend an hour after her curfew. Christina says Lazenby hit her and Melanie 'several times' after Zack was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1985. pauline hanson dancing with the stars; just jerk dance members; what happens if a teacher gets a dui George Lazenby and his fiancee, Christina Gannett, shortly before their marriage in 1971. It's true that it got me in, but it wasn't worth the ten years it cost me. He's now the subject of Josh Greenbaum's Becoming Bond, a very funny original Hulu documentary that, through pure coincidence, made its debut on the streaming service only about 48 hours before the news of Moore's passing broke. Say what you will about his performance in the movie, he's very convincing in the action scenes more than the older, suaver, Britisher Moore ever was, certainly. One guy in Australia dropped friggin' spaghetti on my head, and I said 'What did ya do that for?' 2023 Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When he was young he spent 18 months in hospital after having an operation which left him with only half a kidney. Lazenby was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. It's true he's not Olivier but Olivier could not play Bond in any circumstances John Aspinall's mother Lady Osborne told me she thought he was the best of the Bonds.[30]. Lazenby was released from his contract. People came along and drank you dry. "[34], For a time there was some talk Lazenby would appear in a western, Deakin. Christina Gannett (m. 1971; div. For the early Australian settler, see. 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. I hope it will be good and lead to other roles. George Lazenby and his wife Pamela Shriver are fighting for custody of their three children. Was the highest paid male model in Europe prior to playing James Bond. On the On Her Majesty's Secret Service Blu-ray, former United Artists CEO David Picker, among others, says it was the latter. [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". "But it's all commercial rubbish, such as the guy getting the girl at the end of the Battle of Britain," he said. Born c. 1960; Lazenby was not married to Jennifer's mother. Enter your password to log in. [63], Lazenby lives in Brentwood, Los Angeles. But between Connery's departure and his (first) return there was a one-and-done Bond, perennial Trivial Pursuit curiosity George Lazenby. Lazenby's interest in acting waned during the early 1990s. He is the only actor to play the role of Bond only once in an . Beginning his professional career as a model, Lazenby had only acted in commercials when he was cast to replace original Bond actor Sean Connery. Explore; . Her declaration says: 'As I was turning into the parking spot I felt a thump by George in the side of my face. I know I can do it. In August 2008, it was reported that Shriver had filed for divorce from Lazenby. They had 2 children, Zachary and Melanie (48). But she claims: 'My fear is that he does have a temper - which sometimes leads to violence and saying awful things - and that it could flare up again when provoked. 'I though you'd fall for that one - you idiot. Was a car salesman in Canberra, Australia after leaving school. I liked him. Lazenby and Master's son was ill for eight years from the age of 11 until his death at 19. Relationships George Lazenby was previously married to Pam Shriver (2002 - 2008) and Christina Gannett (1973 - 1995). It was to insulate me from the madness around Bond. "I'm excited to be able to concentrate on just acting in this film," he said. Watch pop music and learn what's going to happen. Anyone who's in touch with the kids knows what's happening, knows the mood. Bond. According to our records, George Lazenby is possibly single. - IMDb Mini Biography By: In the 1998 book The Essential James Bond, Lee Pfeiffer and Dave Worrell write: Although OHMSS was routinely dismissed by critics who cited Lazenby as a brave but disappointing successor to Connery, the intervening years have been notably kinder to both the film and its star. His ex-wife Christina says Lazenby punched her in the face when she was five months pregnant and broke her nose when their son was dying from cancer. I don't know where my life would have gone if I hadn't have done it. Lazenby's favorite hobby is playing golf. Now I can give my full concentration to acting. Lazenby later returned to regular TV work on the syndicated "Superboy" (1988-1992) as the Man of Steel's father, Jor-El. I don't think I'm a good enough actor to get fragmented like that on a job. 'He told me that Christmas was cancelled for me and that everyone else would be having a wonderful Christmas the next morning, except for me.'. Melanie recalls another alleged incident when she was a teenager when she says Lazenby offered her $100 to do a handstand, three tumbles and hop on one leg while wearing a bathing suit. Christina Gannett boyfriend, husband list. 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 . He was born in Goulburn, New South Wales. George Lazenby Entertainment - Actor Why Famous: for portraying James Bond in the 1969 James Bond film Age: 83 (b. The position was consolidated when Lazenby accidentally punched a professional wrestler, who was acting as stunt coordinator, in the face, impressing Broccoli with his ability to display aggression. George Robert Lazenby ( / leznbi /; born 5 September 1939) [1] is an Australian actor. At my thinnest point from the disease (I was 97 pounds and 5'8'') my Dad asked me if I was worried that "my legs might break and go up my ass" or sing "Here she comes, Miss Ethiopia" to the Miss America tune when I would walk past him. 'I retreated and became quiet until he dropped his guard for a second and then I ran downstairs screaming that he had no right to hurt me. [24], I much prefer being a car salesman to a stereotyped James Bond. Anonymous, Other Works Matters became worse when Lazenby's manager, Rohan O'Rahilly - later the founder of England's legendary pirate radio station Radio Caroline - persuaded him to reject a seven-picture contract and walk away from the role due to its irrelevance in the face of the growing 1960s youth culture. 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. Competitor in the senior off-road dirt-bike and stock car racing circuits. (CBS, 1983), and "James" in an episode of the revived "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (NBC/USA, 1985-87). It's not for nothing that they didn't offer him any sequels." I had no idea where I was going when I got into the Bond film. He holds Black Belts Shotokan-Ryu Karate and Judo. '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.'. Well, I think Australians are there is a shortage of women put it that way. [45], Instead it was announced Lazenby would make The Golden Needles of Ecstasy for Golden Harvest. He was the second actor to portray fictional British secret agent James Bond in the Eon Productions film series, playing the character in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). I think it's a pretty foolish move. His marriage to Gannett ended in 1999, and he later married tennis pro and sports broadcaster Pam Shriver in 2002. (1972), The Shrine of Ultimate Bliss (1974), The Man from Hong Kong (1975) and The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977). . I didn't have a mind of my own, which was sad. 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.'. Australian actor Josh Lawson is an appealing stand-in for the young Lazenby never mind that this is a role that should have gone to Matt Gourley, comedian and co-host of the podcast James Bonding. Lazenby later appeared in roles that parodied the James Bond character. ', 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. 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. If something good came along, I'd stay, though. (In hindsight, this seems wildly ill-advised. (2017), A Winter Rose Such wide exposure brought him to the attention of film producers. During the 80's and 90's, Lazenby signed a contract with ABC's American . One time, we were on location at an ice rink and Diana [Rigg] and Peter [Hunt] were drinking champagne inside. 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. [dubious discuss] though this was not reported on at the time. While On Her Majesty's Secret Service was not warmly received upon its initial release, it's now frequently named among the two or three best of the entire Bond series. Broccoli had made a mental note to remember Lazenby as a possible candidate at the time when he thought Lazenby looked like a Bond. In fact, Lazenby's footage was edited from "Game of Death" when it was finally released to theaters in 1978. They had been married for 24 years. [citation needed], In 1973, Lazenby married his girlfriend of three years, Chrissie Townson, a member of the Gannett family. I would liked to have had the mind I have now at twenty nine. Actor (1965) Model (1967) Education Goulburn Public School, Goulburn, NSW, Australia She says: 'In general, from the ages of about ten to 21 my Dad frequently would hit me, pin me up against a wall, slap me, and hold either my arms or my face with extreme force - frequently causing bruises. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Get personalized pricing by telling us when, where, and how you want to use this asset. (In 1978) I thought I was as important as any sheik. His first wife was Christina Gannett, heiress to a news. 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.'. In 1968, Lazenby was cast as "James Bond", despite his only previous acting experience being in commercials, and his only film appearance being a bit-part in a 1965 Italian-made Bond spoof. Zachary, his son with Christina Gannett, died of brain cancer when he was 20 years old in 1994. Lazenby has ridden his various motorcycles across the United States, on three different occasions. Documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court cite "irreconcilable differences" for the end of the couple's six-year marriage. [16], In July 1969, after making On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Lazenby returned home to Queanbeyan to see his parents. 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. Lazenby claims Shriver sought out his ex-wife and daughter during the French Open in May this year while she was 'secretly' preparing for a divorce. Having appeared in only one film, Lazenby's tenure as Bond is the shortest among the actors in the series. Looking back, the one thing I missed out on was reality. But I always admired him. Meanwhile, no more Bond. She denies Lazenby's claims she takes a 'nightly cocktail' of prescription painkillers and sleeping pills with alcohol. Pam Shriver (m 2002 - 2011) , Christina Gannett (m 1971 - 1995) Children. He is best known for his role as James Bond in the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1968). Christina says she told Lazenby she wanted to take Zack to Hawaii when it became clear he was losing his cancer battle in 1994 so he could spend his last days in his favourite place. Of course, the bigger issue was that Lazenby had announced before the movie even opened that he would not reprise the role the same move Connery had pulled two years earlier. Others, however, have developed differing views in the decades since the film. Lazenby also popped up as an architect in "That's Armageddon!," a spoof of disaster movies featured in the Zucker Brothers' sketch comedy film, "Kentucky Fried Movie" (1977), and as a senator in Peter Bogdanovich's black comedy "Saint Jack" (1979). I was terrified.'. [asked about his martial arts proficiency] Well, if you call brawling in Australian country pubs martial arts. "I've got an American wife and green card so I have the best of both worlds."[50]. They ended up offering him $10,000 ($61,000 today) to appear in a film with Lee, which was going to be the Golden Harvest film Game of Death. I'm terribly impressed with. Shriver refutes a host of claims by Lazenby in the latest declarations. "Then she assured me that I would be back at the top of my profession by the end of 1973. 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The highest paid male model in Europe prior to playing James Bond suggested simply because had... ; born 5 September 1939 ) [ 1 ] is an Australian actor missed out on was.! Contact details on IMDbPro an Australian actor theaters in 1978 knows what happening... Shriver and Lazenby with first wife, Christina Gannett ( 1973 - 1995 ) dropped friggin ' spaghetti my..., everything that was happening to me from Lazenby happening, knows the mood in to about! For? 2008 ) and Christina Gannett, heiress to a news roles that parodied James. To my head, everything that was happening to me remember Lazenby as a possible at! The top of my profession by the end of 1973 she says on one occasion when she at. For that one - you idiot footage was edited from `` Game death!
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