Why did George Lazenby only do one? Why does Lazenby only have one Bond?

The Lone Bond: George Lazenby’s Journey from 007 to One

In the illustrious history of James Bond, George Lazenby stands out as the man who took on the iconic role in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969) and then stepped away, leaving audiences with a single Bond film to remember.

A Single Stint as 007

George Lazenby’s portrayal of James Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” marked a departure from the established actors who had preceded him in the iconic role.

However, his tenure as Bond was short-lived, and he remains the only actor to have played the suave spy in just one film.

Challenges on Set

The production of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” presented numerous challenges for George Lazenby.

The shoot was physically demanding, and he faced a massive falling out with the film’s director, Peter Hunt. Alleged friction with co-star Diana Rigg added another layer of difficulty to the already demanding production.

Turning Down a Huge Offer

After the release of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” George Lazenby was presented with a substantial offer to continue as James Bond.

However, influenced by a combination of factors, including his challenging experience on set, conflicts with key figures, and a desire to explore other acting opportunities, Lazenby initially turned down the lucrative offer.

Hindsight and Regret

In the years that followed, George Lazenby reflected on his decision to walk away from the role of James Bond.

He admitted that quitting was a mistake, acknowledging that his initial rejection of the franchise’s continuation was influenced by his dislike for the counterculture movement of the 1960s and a yearning to establish himself in a broader range of acting roles.