The Shocking Mistake That Destroyed George Lazenby’s Career After Landing the Role of a Lifetime!
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When George Lazenby, a Goulburn-born Australian, was chosen to succeed Sean Connery as the iconic James Bond, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. However, what unfolded was a series of missteps and misfortunes that led to a career that could have soared to a shot at stardom that ended in a career of what-ifs.
From Chocolate Commercials to 007: The Unlikely Rise of George Lazenby
Lazenby’s journey to the role of 007 was as unconventional as it was meteoric. A model with no prior acting experience, he caught the eye of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service producer Albert R. Broccoli and director Peter R. Hunt after appearing in a Fry’s Chocolate Cream commercial.
His commitment to the part was undeniable; he arrived at his audition dressed in a Rolex Submariner watch and a Savile Row suit, originally ordered by Connery himself, and even visited Connery’s barber for a makeover. His screen test, which involved accidentally punching a professional wrestler, showcased a raw aggression that impressed Broccoli enough to cast him as the new Bond.
Mixed Reviews and a Catastrophic Choice
Despite a promising start, with Lazenby being nominated for a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actor, his portrayal of the suave spy received mixed reviews. Critics labelled him as ‘humourless,’ ‘stiff,’ and ‘dull,’ though others believed he had risen to the challenging role.
Yet, it wasn’t the critical reception that derailed Lazenby’s ascent; it was his decision to walk away from a seven-film contract. Influenced by his agent Ronan O’Rahilly, who predicted that the Bond image would soon become outdated, Lazenby made the fateful choice to step away before On Her Majesty’s Secret Service even hit theatres.
Hollywood’s Blacklist: The Fallout from Leaving Bond
This decision proved catastrophic. Lazenby’s departure branded him as ‘difficult’ in the industry. Struggling to secure roles, even in spaghetti westerns suggested as a fallback, Lazenby’s career quickly nosedived. By 1973, he was financially destitute, battling alcoholism, and had suffered two nervous breakdowns.
Attempts to revive his career, including a missed opportunity to work with Bruce Lee on the day of Lee’s untimely death, yielded little success. Returning to Australia for modelling gigs and small roles, Lazenby eventually moved back to Hollywood for acting lessons, hoping to rekindle his once-promising career.
'My Biggest Mistake': Broccoli’s Harsh Verdict
Reflecting on Lazenby’s casting, Albert R. Broccoli called it his 'biggest mistake in 16 years,' attributing the actor’s downfall to arrogance and an inability to handle success. However, Sean Connery came to Lazenby’s defence, refuting claims of arrogance and showing solidarity with his fellow Bond alum.
A Life of Highs, Lows, and Quiet Reflection
In 1978, in a desperate bid for work, Lazenby took out an ad in Variety offering to act for free. His career post-Bond became a patchwork of roles in television, documentaries, and films, none as significant as his brief stint as 007. A modest comeback in 2014 brought some attention, but in July 2020, Lazenby announced his retirement from public life and acting to focus on family, thanking supporters for their love over the years.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Lazenby’s personal life has been marked by tragedy, including the loss of his son Zachary to a brain tumour at 19. Now 85, residing in Los Angeles, and with five children from two marriages, Lazenby reflects on a life filled with both triumphs and challenges.
The story of George Lazenby is a cautionary tale of the fleeting nature of fame and the perils of turning away from a golden opportunity. His experience serves as a reminder to our readers that while it’s essential to follow one’s instincts, it’s equally important to consider the long-term implications of our decisions.
As we reflect on Lazenby’s journey, we want to hear from you! Have you ever taken a big risk that changed your life? How did you handle the consequences, whether they were good or bad? What lessons have you learned from navigating life’s unexpected twists and turns? Share your stories in the comments below.
From Chocolate Commercials to 007: The Unlikely Rise of George Lazenby
Lazenby’s journey to the role of 007 was as unconventional as it was meteoric. A model with no prior acting experience, he caught the eye of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service producer Albert R. Broccoli and director Peter R. Hunt after appearing in a Fry’s Chocolate Cream commercial.
His commitment to the part was undeniable; he arrived at his audition dressed in a Rolex Submariner watch and a Savile Row suit, originally ordered by Connery himself, and even visited Connery’s barber for a makeover. His screen test, which involved accidentally punching a professional wrestler, showcased a raw aggression that impressed Broccoli enough to cast him as the new Bond.
Mixed Reviews and a Catastrophic Choice
Despite a promising start, with Lazenby being nominated for a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actor, his portrayal of the suave spy received mixed reviews. Critics labelled him as ‘humourless,’ ‘stiff,’ and ‘dull,’ though others believed he had risen to the challenging role.
Yet, it wasn’t the critical reception that derailed Lazenby’s ascent; it was his decision to walk away from a seven-film contract. Influenced by his agent Ronan O’Rahilly, who predicted that the Bond image would soon become outdated, Lazenby made the fateful choice to step away before On Her Majesty’s Secret Service even hit theatres.
Hollywood’s Blacklist: The Fallout from Leaving Bond
This decision proved catastrophic. Lazenby’s departure branded him as ‘difficult’ in the industry. Struggling to secure roles, even in spaghetti westerns suggested as a fallback, Lazenby’s career quickly nosedived. By 1973, he was financially destitute, battling alcoholism, and had suffered two nervous breakdowns.
Attempts to revive his career, including a missed opportunity to work with Bruce Lee on the day of Lee’s untimely death, yielded little success. Returning to Australia for modelling gigs and small roles, Lazenby eventually moved back to Hollywood for acting lessons, hoping to rekindle his once-promising career.
'My Biggest Mistake': Broccoli’s Harsh Verdict
Reflecting on Lazenby’s casting, Albert R. Broccoli called it his 'biggest mistake in 16 years,' attributing the actor’s downfall to arrogance and an inability to handle success. However, Sean Connery came to Lazenby’s defence, refuting claims of arrogance and showing solidarity with his fellow Bond alum.
A Life of Highs, Lows, and Quiet Reflection
In 1978, in a desperate bid for work, Lazenby took out an ad in Variety offering to act for free. His career post-Bond became a patchwork of roles in television, documentaries, and films, none as significant as his brief stint as 007. A modest comeback in 2014 brought some attention, but in July 2020, Lazenby announced his retirement from public life and acting to focus on family, thanking supporters for their love over the years.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Lazenby’s personal life has been marked by tragedy, including the loss of his son Zachary to a brain tumour at 19. Now 85, residing in Los Angeles, and with five children from two marriages, Lazenby reflects on a life filled with both triumphs and challenges.
The story of George Lazenby is a cautionary tale of the fleeting nature of fame and the perils of turning away from a golden opportunity. His experience serves as a reminder to our readers that while it’s essential to follow one’s instincts, it’s equally important to consider the long-term implications of our decisions.
As we reflect on Lazenby’s journey, we want to hear from you! Have you ever taken a big risk that changed your life? How did you handle the consequences, whether they were good or bad? What lessons have you learned from navigating life’s unexpected twists and turns? Share your stories in the comments below.
