George Lazenby announced his “difficult decision” to retire from acting in an update on Thursday.
The actor, 84, who played the fictional character in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, admitted that ‘getting older takes its toll’.
George shared a photo of himself with X and wrote a heartfelt message saying that while it’s been a “fun ride” he’s now looking forward to spending more time with his family.
He said: ‘This was not an easy decision, but it is time to announce my retirement.’
“So, as of today, I will no longer be acting or appearing in public, doing interviews or signing 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 takes its toll’
He continued: ‘I want to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for his help since 2013 – the best representative I ever had.
“I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. I would like to sincerely thank everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot. George xx.”
The Australian was the second actor to portray the fictional British secret agent James Bond. However, his career was the shortest, as he only appeared in one Bond film.
Lazenby had only appeared in commercials when he was cast as a replacement for original Bond star, Sean Connery.
He turned down offers to reprise the role in later Bond films, as he had the flexibility to play other roles in the 1970s, such as Universal Soldier (1971), Who Saw Her Die? (1972), The Shrine Of Ultimate Bliss (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 sole film in the series is now regarded as one of the best Bond films.
Retrospective reviews have praised Lazenby for presenting a more developed emotional life than other Bond actors, and acclaimed filmmakers including Christopher Nolan and Steven Soderbergh have called the film their favorite of the series.
Connery would eventually return to the lead role in Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and then again in Never Say Never Again (1983), after Roger Moore had played the character’s iconic role.
The Australian has the honour of being the second actor to play a fictional British secret agent, although he only appeared in one Bond film (pictured in 2021)
George shared a photo of himself with X and wrote a heartfelt message 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 that he was recovering from a hospital stay with a brain injury resulting from a fall.
The actor, who fell at his home in November, was rushed to hospital and subsequently treated at a nursing home in California.
A member of his team at Anders Frejdh Talent Management gave fans an update on his health via Twitter: ‘I am very pleased to report that our client George Lazenby has returned home safely.
‘After an unfortunate fall at home in November, which left him with a head injury, he has made a great recovery thanks to the wonderful team at Beverly West Healthcare, for which his family, friends and I are very grateful.
“It’s not easy growing old, but at 84 George has certainly shown what a fighter he is. Love and only love.”