George Lazenby announced his “difficult decision” to retire from acting in an update on Thursday.
The 84-year-old actor, who played the fictional character in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, He admitted that “getting older has taken its toll.”
Sharing a photo of himself with X, George wrote a heartfelt post saying that while it had been a “fun trip,” he is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.
He shared: ‘This has not been an easy decision, but it is time to announce my retirement from work.’
“Therefore, as of today I will no longer be performing, making any more public appearances, giving any more interviews or signing any more autographs. It’s been a fun ride, but getting older is no fun.
George Lazenby, 84, announced his “difficult decision” to retire from acting in an update on Thursday
The actor, who played the fictional character in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, admitted that “getting older has taken its toll.”
He continued: ‘I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 – the best manager I’ve ever had.
“I can now focus on spending more time with my family. I sincerely thank everyone for their love and support over the years. It has meant so much to me. George xx.”
The Australian has the distinction of being the second actor to play fictional British secret agent James Bond, although he had the shortest tenure, having only starred in one Bond film.
Lazenby had only acted in commercials when he was chosen to replace original Bond star Sean Connery.
He turned down offers to reprise the role in later Bond films, in favour of having the flexibility to accept other roles throughout the 1970s, such as Universal Soldier (1971), Who Saw Her Die? (1972), The Sanctuary of Supreme Happiness (1974), The Man from Hong Kong (1975) and The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977).
Although he only starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Lazenby’s only film in the series is now considered one of the best Bond films.
Retrospective reviews have praised Lazenby for portraying a more developed emotional life than other Bond actors, and acclaimed filmmakers including Christopher Nolan and Steven Soderbergh have declared the film their favorite of the series.
Connery would eventually star again in Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and then return a second time for Never Say Never Again (1983), following Roger Moore’s run as the iconic character.
The Australian has the distinction of being only the second actor to play a fictional British secret agent, although he only starred in a single Bond film (pictured, in 2021).
Sharing a photo of himself with X, George wrote a heartfelt post saying that while it’s been a “fun ride,” he’s now looking forward to spending more time with his family.
In December, a member of George’s team announced he was in recovery after being hospitalized for a brain injury following a fall.
The actor, who fell at his home in November, was rushed to hospital before being treated at a California nursing home.
A member of his team at Anders Frejdh Talent Management took to Twitter to update fans on his health, writing: ‘I am very happy to report that our client George Lazenby has returned home safely.
‘Following an accidental fall at home in November that resulted in a head injury, he has rehabilitated well thanks to the great team at Beverly West Healthcare, for whom I, his family and friends are grateful.
“It’s not easy getting older, but at 84, George has certainly shown what a fighter he is. Love and only love.”
