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Playing James Bond is a career-defining moment for an actor.
The British Spy, based on the character written by Ian Fleming, has seen seven different film iterations.
From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, each of the Bond actors have brought something different to the character and defined their own Bond era.
With the news that Aaron Taylor-Johnson may be the next actor to take on the iconic role, we thought it was time to look back at the actor’s who have played 007 in years gone by.
Below, every actor who’s played James Bond.
Which Actors Have Played James Bond?
Sean Connery
Bond Films: Dr No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds are Forever, Never Say Never Again
Time Period: 1962 – 1983
Age: Sean Connery was 32 years old when he first starred as James Bond and 53 in his last Bond film.
Nationality: Scottish
Sean Connery was the first actor to play the British secret agent on the big screen in 1962 when he stared in the franchise’s first film, Dr.No.
Connery went on to star as Bond in six more films until 1983, taking a break for just one film in 1967 when David Niven took over.
The actor’s portrayal of 007 remains a firm favourite with Bond fans, with Ian Fleming even writing Connery’s heritage into the character’s background.
While Connery’s Bond is still considered to be one of the most definitive film versions of the character, modern audiences have critiqued the films portrayals of women and Bond’s interactions with them.
David Niven
Bond Films: Casino Royale
Time Period: 1967
Age: David Niven was 57 when he played Bond in Casino Royale.
Nationality: English
David Niven’s take on 007 may be the most little known of all of Bond’s actors.
Only taking on the role for one year in the 1967 Casino Royale, Niven’s portrayal is more spoof than serious spy.
In the film, he plays an older version of Bond who comes out of retirement for a new mission.
While the portrayal isn’t favoured by Bond fans, the Niven’s version of Bond isn’t too dissimilar to Fleming’s literary character.
George Lazenby
Bond Films: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Time Period: 1969
Age: George Lazenby was only 29 when he played James Bond.
Nationality: Australian
Australian actor, George Lazenby portrayed Bond in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Lazenby’s portrayal may not be the most popular of all of the Bond films but is it widely considered to be one of the most faithful adaptations of the novels.
Roger Moore
Bond Films: Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy and A View to a Kill..
Time Period: 1973–1985
Age: Roger Moore was 46 years old when he first played James Bond and 57 years old in his last appearance.
Nationality: English
Spending 12 years in the role, Roger Moore was the second longest serving Bond actor after Daniel Craig.
His portrayal is much more light-hearted and camp than others, with the films featuring more froth, humour and absurdity than seriousness.
Despite this, Moore still remains a fan favourite when it comes to the franchise.
Timothy Dalton
Bond Films: The Living Daylights, Licence To Kill
Time Period: 1987 – 1989
Age: Timothy Dalton was 41 years old in his first Bond film and 43 year old in his last.
Nationality: Welsh
While Timothy Dalton may have only portrayed Bond for two films, he brought the character into a distinctly differently era.
Leaving Roger’s fun action hero behind, Dalton played a grittier, more reluctant version of the spy.
While Dalton’s portrayal of Bond may not be as famous as some of the other actors, it’s one of the most influential with Craig’s Bond allegedly being the inspiration for Craig’s take on the character.
Pierce Brosnan
Bond Films: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
Time Period: 1995 – 2002
Age: Pierce Brosnan was 42 years old in his first Bond film, Goldeneye and 49 years old in his last, Die Another Day.
Nationality: Irish
Pierce Brosnan’s charm and good looks meant that viewers immediately accepted him as the new 007 and his portrayal is still considered to be one of the best.
The actor naturally adopted the wit, charm and command the beloved character while still making it his own.
Daniel Craig
Bond Films: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die.
Time Period: 2006 – 2021
Age: Daniel Craig was 38 years old in his first Bond film, Casino Royale and 51 in his last, No Time To Die.
Nationality: English
Bond fans were immediately sceptical of the blond Daniel Craig’s ability to play the spy but they were quickly proved wrong.
Craig’s Bond represents an entirely new era for the character and franchise, with the actor bringing a lot more depth to the role.
Unlike previous films, Craig’s films also follow a chronological order, with every film stripping away a layer of Bond’s brutal outer shell and giving us an understanding of his complex psyche.
Out of every actor who’s played James Bond, Craig leaves big shoes to fill.
Who Is The Next James Bond?
According to The Sun, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role of James Bond.
The publication cited an unnamed source, who stated “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table, and they are waiting to hear back.”
The 33-year-old is best known for his roles in Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging, Kickass and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
