Lazenby fought on screen as James Bond—now he fights for his health
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He once held the licence to kill—but now, time has handed him a very different battle.
A beloved actor known for playing one of cinema’s most iconic roles is quietly navigating the early stages of a heartbreaking condition.
After years out of the spotlight, his former partner has stepped forward to share how life has changed behind closed doors.
He once held the licence to kill—but now, time has handed him a very different battle.
A beloved actor known for playing one of cinema’s most iconic roles is quietly navigating the early stages of a heartbreaking condition.
After years out of the spotlight, his former partner has stepped forward to share how life has changed behind closed doors.
George Lazenby, who made history in 1969 as the shortest-tenured James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, had long remained a cult favourite among 007 fans.
Despite only playing the role once, the Australian actor became a lasting figure in the franchise’s legacy, often praised for bringing a raw vulnerability to the iconic spy.
Now 85, Lazenby has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia.
The revelation came from his ex-wife, former US tennis star Pam Shriver, who opened up in a candid interview.
‘He has dementia, but he is still very much himself,’ Shriver shared. ‘A softer version of himself, perhaps—and this is the key.’
Shriver met Lazenby in 2000 at Wimbledon when she was 37. The couple later married and had three children—Kait, Sam, and George—before divorcing in 2008.
Despite the end of their marriage, Shriver remained a constant presence in his life, especially in recent years as his health began to decline.
The two had prepared for such a moment years ago. Shriver revealed they had discussed legal matters long before his diagnosis and agreed she would hold power of attorney should he lose mental capacity.
‘We go for walks together, chatting about the kids and all the little anxieties which anyone with an older relative will recognise,’ she said. ‘His dementia affects his short-term memory but he tells stories about his younger days.’
Lazenby had been living in a sheltered housing facility in Pacific Palisades until earlier this year, when wildfires swept through the Los Angeles area. The crisis prompted a hasty evacuation—one Shriver recalled with vivid clarity.
‘The facility itself did not have transport for residents organised early enough, so thank goodness for the independent caregiver who comes every day to take him for walks,’ she said.
‘She was able to evacuate him, shortly before the Palisades fire had crept up to the doorstep of the facility.’
As a result, Lazenby was relocated to an assisted living facility in Santa Monica, where he continues to receive care.
In February, he was photographed using a walker during a stroll—just as Amazon announced it had taken full creative control of the Bond franchise.
Months later, in July 2024, Lazenby officially retired from acting.
‘It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun... My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me,’ he told fans.
Though his pace may have slowed, Shriver says his spirit remains strong.
‘He always had a great life force and it still burns brightly.’
Watching someone you love face memory loss can be one of life’s most emotional challenges—especially when that person once lit up the silver screen.
Have you ever supported a family member through a similar journey with dementia?
Lazenby’s story is a touching reminder of how quickly life can change when memory begins to fade—something many older Australians may be all too familiar with.
If you’ve ever worried about a loved one’s cognitive health, or your own, there are simple tools that might help identify early warning signs.
One quick test, recently featured on our site, could be a useful first step.
Read more: Take this 60‑second writing challenge—it could reveal early signs of this disease
A beloved actor known for playing one of cinema’s most iconic roles is quietly navigating the early stages of a heartbreaking condition.
After years out of the spotlight, his former partner has stepped forward to share how life has changed behind closed doors.
He once held the licence to kill—but now, time has handed him a very different battle.
A beloved actor known for playing one of cinema’s most iconic roles is quietly navigating the early stages of a heartbreaking condition.
After years out of the spotlight, his former partner has stepped forward to share how life has changed behind closed doors.
Bond star faces private health battle. Image source: IMDB
George Lazenby, who made history in 1969 as the shortest-tenured James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, had long remained a cult favourite among 007 fans.
Despite only playing the role once, the Australian actor became a lasting figure in the franchise’s legacy, often praised for bringing a raw vulnerability to the iconic spy.
Now 85, Lazenby has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia.
The revelation came from his ex-wife, former US tennis star Pam Shriver, who opened up in a candid interview.
‘He has dementia, but he is still very much himself,’ Shriver shared. ‘A softer version of himself, perhaps—and this is the key.’
Shriver met Lazenby in 2000 at Wimbledon when she was 37. The couple later married and had three children—Kait, Sam, and George—before divorcing in 2008.
Despite the end of their marriage, Shriver remained a constant presence in his life, especially in recent years as his health began to decline.
The two had prepared for such a moment years ago. Shriver revealed they had discussed legal matters long before his diagnosis and agreed she would hold power of attorney should he lose mental capacity.
‘We go for walks together, chatting about the kids and all the little anxieties which anyone with an older relative will recognise,’ she said. ‘His dementia affects his short-term memory but he tells stories about his younger days.’
Lazenby had been living in a sheltered housing facility in Pacific Palisades until earlier this year, when wildfires swept through the Los Angeles area. The crisis prompted a hasty evacuation—one Shriver recalled with vivid clarity.
‘The facility itself did not have transport for residents organised early enough, so thank goodness for the independent caregiver who comes every day to take him for walks,’ she said.
‘She was able to evacuate him, shortly before the Palisades fire had crept up to the doorstep of the facility.’
As a result, Lazenby was relocated to an assisted living facility in Santa Monica, where he continues to receive care.
In February, he was photographed using a walker during a stroll—just as Amazon announced it had taken full creative control of the Bond franchise.
Months later, in July 2024, Lazenby officially retired from acting.
‘It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun... My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me,’ he told fans.
Though his pace may have slowed, Shriver says his spirit remains strong.
‘He always had a great life force and it still burns brightly.’
Watching someone you love face memory loss can be one of life’s most emotional challenges—especially when that person once lit up the silver screen.
Have you ever supported a family member through a similar journey with dementia?
Lazenby’s story is a touching reminder of how quickly life can change when memory begins to fade—something many older Australians may be all too familiar with.
If you’ve ever worried about a loved one’s cognitive health, or your own, there are simple tools that might help identify early warning signs.
One quick test, recently featured on our site, could be a useful first step.
Read more: Take this 60‑second writing challenge—it could reveal early signs of this disease
