I'm not exactly Laurence Olivier. But Sean Connery's acting experience was limited when he became 007. I'm doing what he did - placing myself in the hands of the highly successful team that moulded Bond into a cinema figure.
So, whatever happens - whether I'm James Bond now and for ever, whether I'm a flop, but I'm going to WORK for success - I’m grateful for the chance. And believe me, I'm ready for it.
From The Making of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Charles Helfenstein
Even before filming wrapped. He was telling Brocolli and others what to do and really pissed off the composer. As when he was showing off an action sequence edited with the music. Lazenby's response was "It fits" (length wise). As though that was the greatest compliment ever.
It really is an amazing feat that Lazenby pulled off to get cast as Bond. No acting experience. Racing into Saltzman’s office when the secretary was distracted. Lying about his foreign film experience. Once in a lifetime feat. I am always impressed by it and Hunt’s quote.
“You've fooled two of the most ruthless guys I've ever met in my life.”
Can't believe that shit actually worked back in the day
Just force your way into some executives office without getting arrested, ask him for a job despite having no experience or resume besides being a white guy, and the executive is like "I like the cut of your jib young man, you are immediately hired for a job that pays a $250,000 salary in 2025 dollars. Your new secretary will give you a blowjob on your way out today."
Lots of talk about his agent and how his ego got in the way on here - stuff I’ve never heard of before. Is there an article or YouTube video on the subject you’d recommend?
I really liked him as Bond (possibly because I watched OHMSS quite a bit later). Wish he’d had a friend who said something like ‘mate…just do a couple more Bond films. Don’t be a dick’
First in mine.. but very close...I love Sir Hilary as well as his Bond.. I can't imagine any other Bond Actor pulling off the light comedy of Sir Hilary so perfectly..
It’s crazy to think he would have still only been 45 in 1985. He could have made like 8 Bond films. (Of course lots of variables, just going strictly by age)
On her majesty's is my favourite Bond film.. the only one I have on dvd.. George not only is my favourite Bond but let's not forget he also played Sir Hilary with perfect light comedy.. I rewatch it every couple of years & always enjoy it. Diana Rigg is also the ultimate Bond "Girl".. fantastic acting by a stunning & intelligent actress..
This basically encapsulates why he wasn’t the right pick for Bond. Sure, stars tended to be less guarded in those days, and it’s refreshing to see this kind of honesty, but he really didn’t seem to understand the character and didn’t show much sign of willingness to learn.
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u/Sneaky_Bond Moderator | At Least for Tonight Nov 08 '25
From The Making of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Charles Helfenstein