Legendary actor George Lazenby has officially announced his retirement from acting at the age of 84. The James Bond star shared the news on his Instagram account, expressing that it was a difficult decision for him to make. He thanked his manager, Anders Frejdh, for his support over the years.
Lazenby stated that he will no longer be pursuing acting opportunities, participating in public events, giving interviews, or signing autographs. He emphasized that while he has enjoyed his time in the entertainment industry, the aging process has made it challenging for him to continue.
Following a head injury last November, Lazenby was hospitalized and later moved to a nursing home in California for recovery. However, his management team confirmed that he has since returned home to Los Angeles and is doing well. Despite the health scare, Lazenby’s resilience and fighting spirit have been evident throughout his journey.
The Australian actor is best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the 1969 film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” where he starred alongside Diana Rigg. Lazenby’s transition from modeling to acting was catapulted by his role as the iconic spy, taking over from Sean Connery.
In recent years, Lazenby faced controversy during a music tour in 2023 when his explicit and inappropriate comments during interviews led to his removal from the event. Audience members were shocked and offended by his behavior, prompting organizers to cut ties with him. Lazenby later expressed regret for any hurtful remarks made and clarified that his intention was to entertain, not offend.
As he bids farewell to his acting career, Lazenby expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support and love throughout the years. He looks forward to spending more time with his family and cherishing the memories created during his time in the spotlight. George Lazenby’s legacy as a Hollywood legend will always be remembered by fans worldwide.