The best James Bond: Every actor who’s played 007, ranked

6. George Lazenby (1969)

George Lazenby was probably the most inexperienced performer to take on the role of James Bond. Producers discovered the Australian commercial actor after seeing the model from New Zealand in an advert for Fry’s Chocolate Creams. Despite his lack of prior time on the silver screen he was chosen to portray 007 in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the first EON released entry in the series after Sean Connery made the role famous. The endeavor was not considered a success at the time of its arrival, which is probably why the entertainer only stuck around for one flick. However, the intriguing iteration has since gained somewhat of a cult following with many praising Lazenby’s efforts for providing a fresh take on the character that somewhat closely resembles that of Daniel Craig’s recent turn.

While Lazenby’s run as the man with a license to kill has a special place in many fans’ hearts, it isn’t without its scathing flaws. He may have looked the part, but the burly man from Down Under could never quite grasp the refined gentlemen spy aspect of the iconic role. His native accent even caused the need to dub over his voice to give him more of a Bond-like accent. And then, of course, there is the cringe-worthy moment where he breaks the fourth wall in what can only be described as a moment of sheer franchise blasphemy. His now well-regarded take is a valiant effort at best but far from outshining the rest.