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George Lazenby

George Lazenby

He was set to co-star in the biggest budgeted action/martial arts film of all time in 1973, along with Bruce Lee. However, Lee died two weeks before the film was to begin shooting. (The film, originally titled "Shrine of Ultimate Bliss," was eventually made, but on a considerably smaller budget, and was given a limited theatrical release, excluding the U.S.)

He was supposed to have dinner with Bruce Lee the night that Lee died. He attended Lee's funeral service.

He was the youngest actor to play James Bond, being 30 when On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) was released.

His agent, Maggie Smith, told him that he should apply for Bond, since in her opinion, his arrogance would surely win him the role.

His lead role in the prime time soap opera "Rituals" (1984) was considered to be his "comeback gig". Many industry experts expected this would bring him to "A" status in Hollywood. However, "Rituals" received poor ratings and was canceled after just one season by ABC.



His publicist, Ronan O'Rahilly, announced that Lazenby would not make a second Bond film. After this he was released out of his Bond contract. Lazenby himself, stated afterward that he never told his publicist he was quitting Bond.

Is an accomplished skier and in fact had won two skiing contests in Australia before becoming James Bond.

Lakers star Kobe Bryant is George's neighbor at one of George's Southern California homes.

Lazenby has ridden his various motorcycles across the United States, on three different occasions.

Lazenby signed a 4 film contract with Raymond Chow's famed Hong Kong- based Golden Harvest Production studio in 1973. He was first to co-star with Bruce Lee in Lee's upcoming film Game of Death (1978), as Lee's Western adversary. However, Lee died just four days after Lazenby signed the contract. At the time when Lazenby signed the contract, it was considered the most coveted available contract in the international movie industry. But Lazenby's soon-to-be huge comeback after having earlier quit the role of James Bond ended when Lee suddenly died. Lazenby would go on to star in the next 3 Golden Harvest films that were originally set to feature himself and Lee. Tie jin gang da po zi yang guan (1974) AKA "The Shrine of Ultimate Bliss," The Man from Hong Kong (1975), and E tan qun hing ying hui (1976) AKA "A Queen's Ransom." In Tie jin gang da po zi yang guan (1974), Lazenby took on Lee's role and actress Angela Mao took on the role Lazenby was first intended to play. While in the next two films, The Man from Hong Kong (1975) and E tan qun hing ying hui (1976), actor Jimmy Wang Yu replaced Lee and Lazenby returned to his original role. The first film that Lazenby was signed to make with Lee, Game of Death (1978), which was already in production at the time of Lee's death in 1973, was not released until 1978. Because of the bad

Lazenby's favorite hobbie is playing golf. He plays it at least 5 or 6 times a week.

Lived in Keith Moon's famous London Waterhouse complete with Hydro Hovercraft that came right into the living room through the front door, for a period of 6 months in the late '60s.

Lives in Los Angeles, California.

Semi-retired from acting in 1993, and retired completely in 2003.

Served as a sergeant in the Australian Special Forces.

Son: George Samuel Lazenby (b. 12 July 2004) with Pam Shriver Twins: Samuel Robert and Kaitlin Elizabeth (b. 1 October 2005) with Pam Shriver

Was a car salesman in Canberra, Australia after leaving school.

Was considered by producer Kevin McClory to play James Bond 007 in Never Say Never Again (1983) but was dropped from consideration when Sean Connery confirmed he wanted the role.

Was the #1 male fashion model in the world from 1964 to 1968.

Was the highest paid male model in Europe prior to playing James Bond.

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