Over the years, the James Bond franchise has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, and its iconic leading man has been played by various actors throughout the decades. While the franchise has seen many actors come and go, some have left a lasting impact on the series and its loyal fan base.
From the suave Sean Connery, who started it all in 1962, to the charismatic Roger Moore, who played the role for the longest time, these actors have given us some of the most iconic Bond moments that are still remembered today. We will delve into their personal lives, their careers, and their contributions to the James Bond universe.
In this article, we will take a look at the 7 oldest James Bond actors who ever lived. These actors have all made significant contributions to the James Bond franchise, and their performances have stood the test of time.
7. Daniel Craig (March 2, 1968 – present)
Age: 55 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: $160 million
Spouse: Fiona Loudon, Rachel Weisz ​
Years Active: 1992 to present
photo source: Wikipedia
Daniel Craig is an English actor who is most well-known for playing the iconic role of James Bond in several movies. Born on March 2, 1968, Craig began his acting career in the early 1990s, starting with small roles in television shows and films. He gained recognition for his performances in the movies “Layer Cake” and “Munich,” which helped him to land the role of James Bond.
Craig first portrayed James Bond in the 2006 film “Casino Royale,” which was a major success both critically and commercially. He went on to star in four more Bond films, including “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre,” and “No Time to Die.”
Over the course of his career, Craig has received several awards and nominations for his performances, including a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Casino Royale.” What sets Craig’s portrayal of James Bond apart from previous actors who played the role is his gritty and more realistic interpretation of the character.
Did You Know?
In 2012, Craig served as a torchbearer for the London Olympic Games.
6. Pierce Brosnan (May 16, 1953 – present)
Age: 69 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: $200 million
Spouse: Cassandra Harris, Keely Shaye Smith
Years Active: 1975 to present
photo source: IMDb
Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor who is also best known for playing the role of James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002. Brosnan was born in County Meath, Ireland, on May 16, 1953, and began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in a number of television shows and films. Brosnan’s breakthrough role came in 1982 when he was cast in the hit television show “Remington Steele,” in which he played a private detective.
This role made him a household name and helped to establish him as a leading actor. In 1994, Brosnan was approached to play James Bond but was unable to take on the role due to contractual obligations to “Remington Steele.” However, when the opportunity arose again in 1995, Brosnan was finally able to take on the role of the iconic spy in the film “GoldenEye.”
Did You Know?
He went on to play Bond in three more films, “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World is Not Enough,” and “Die Another Day.”
5. David Niven (March 1, 1910 – July 29, 1983)
Age: 73 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: Not Applicable
Spouse: Primula Susan Rollo, Hjördis Genberg
Years Active: 1932 to 1983
photo source: Gulf News
David Niven was a British actor who is perhaps best known for his role in the classic 1958 film “Separate Tables,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. He was born on March 1, 1910, in London, England, and began his acting career in the 1930s. Niven’s career spanned over four decades, and he appeared in over 100 films. He was known for his suave and debonair persona, as well as his charm and wit. Some of his most notable film roles include “The Pink Panther,” “Around the World in 80 Days,” and “The Guns of Navarone.”
Niven also played the role of James Bond in the 1967 film “Casino Royale,” although this version of Bond was a spoof and not part of the official Bond film series. Niven’s portrayal of Bond was more comedic and lighthearted than the serious and action-oriented portrayals of Bond by other actors such as Sean Connery and Daniel Craig.
Did You Know?
He was also a decorated war hero, having served in the British Army during World War II.
4. Timothy Dalton (March 21, 1946 – present)
Age: 77 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: $20 million
Spouse: Vanessa Redgrave, Oksana Grigorieva
Years Active: 1964 to present
photo source: Radio Times
Timothy Dalton played the role of James Bond in two films, “The Living Daylights” (1987) and “Licence to Kill” (1989). He was born on March 21, 1946, in Colwyn Bay, Wales, and began his acting career in the 1960s. Dalton’s portrayal of James Bond was more serious and gritty than previous actors, such as Roger Moore, and he was often compared to the original Bond, Sean Connery.
His interpretation of the character was well-received by fans and critics alike, but his tenure as Bond was short-lived due to various factors, including legal issues with the Bond film franchise. Despite his brief time as Bond, Dalton has had a successful acting career in both film and television. He has appeared in a wide variety of roles, ranging from classic Shakespearean plays to more modern action films.
Did You Know?
Some of his notable film roles include “Flash Gordon,” “The Rocketeer,” and “Hot Fuzz.” He has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “Penny Dreadful” and “Doctor Who.”
3. George Lazenby (September 5, 1939 – present)
Age: 83 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: $20 million
Spouse: Christina Gannett, Pam Shriver
Years Active: 1965 to present
photo source: Esquire
George Lazenby is an Australian actor who played the role of James Bond in the 1969 film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” He was born on September 5, 1939, in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, and began his career as a model in the 1960s. Lazenby’s portrayal of James Bond was praised for his athleticism and physicality, as well as his rugged and masculine interpretation of the character.
However, his performance was also criticized for lacking the sophistication and refinement that had become synonymous with the Bond franchise. Despite the success of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” Lazenby’s tenure as Bond was short-lived, and he declined to return for further films. He instead pursued other acting opportunities, although he never achieved the same level of success as he had with the Bond film.
Did You Know?
Lazenby has also been involved in various business ventures throughout his career, including a clothing line and a real estate company.
2. Roger Moore (October 14, 1927 – May 23, 2017)
Age: 90 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: Not Applicable
Spouse: Doorn van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, Luisa Mattioli, Kristina Tholstrup
Years Active: 1945 to 2017
photo source: British GQ
Roger Moore was a British actor who played the role of James Bond in seven films, making him the actor with the most appearances as Bond. He was born on October 14, 1927, in London, England, and began his acting career in the 1940s. Moore’s portrayal of James Bond was characterized by his suave and sophisticated demeanor, as well as his humor and wit.
He brought a lighter and more comedic tone to the character, which was well-received by audiences and helped to cement his status as one of the most beloved actors to play Bond. In addition to his work as Bond, Moore had a long and successful career in film and television. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, both in the UK and in Hollywood, including “The Saint,” “The Persuaders!,” and “The Cannonball Run.”
Did You Know?
He was also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF for many years and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his humanitarian work.
1. Sean Connery (August 25, 1930 – October 31, 2020)
Age: 90 years old
Net Worth as of 2023: Not Applicable
Spouse: Diane Cilento, Micheline Roquebrune
Years Active: 1954 to 2007
photo source: The Independent
Sean Connery was a Scottish actor who played the role of James Bond in seven films, beginning with “Dr. No” in 1962. He is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and beloved actors to portray the character and helped to establish the James Bond franchise as a cultural phenomenon, not to mention being considered the oldest James Bond actor to have ever lived. Connery’s portrayal of James Bond was characterized by his rugged, masculine presence and his dry wit.
He brought a sense of danger and intrigue to the character and helped to establish the suave and sophisticated image that has become synonymous with James Bond. In addition to his work as Bond, Connery had a long and successful career in film and television. He appeared in numerous films, including “The Untouchables,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Did You Know?
He also received critical acclaim for his work in “The Name of the Rose” and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
