This James Bond actor was spotted looking frail and unrecognizable. This screen icon is 84 years old now

George Lazenby, the legendary Australian actor best known for his role as James Bond, was recently spotted in Santa Monica, California, using a walking frame. At 84, Lazenby has stepped away from showbiz, citing the toll that ageing has taken on him.

Photographs captured the actor who famously portrayed 007 in the 1969 film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service‘ looking frail but in good spirits as he strolled with family members. Dressed casually in grey trousers, an unbuttoned striped T-shirt, and a baseball cap to protect him from the sun, Lazenby gripped his walking aid during the sunny outing.

This public appearance follows a challenging period for the former action star. At the end of 2023, Lazenby suffered a brain injury from a fall at home. He was hospitalised and spent three weeks recovering at a California nursing home. His manager shared an encouraging update at the time, posting a photo of Lazenby smiling in bed with a noticeable scar on his head—a testament to the severity of his injury.

Reflecting on Lazenby’s resilience, his manager wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Not easy getting old, but at 84, George has certainly demonstrated what a fighter he is.”

Despite appearing in just one James Bond film, Lazenby made an enduring impact on fans of the iconic franchise. His portrayal of the secret agent continues to be celebrated, even as he retired from the spotlight last month.

In a heartfelt statement shared on X, Lazenby expressed his decision to step away from public life:

“This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s time to announce my retirement from work. Therefore, I won’t be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing interviews, or signing autographs as of today. It’s been a fun ride, but getting older is no fun.

“I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013—the best representative I ever had. I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years. It has meant a lot to me. George xx.”

Before his retirement, Lazenby had kept a relatively low profile. However, in 2022, he faced controversy during a tour of his live theatre show, The Music of James Bond, in Australia. Reports surfaced that he made inappropriate remarks, including boasting about past relationships, using profanity, and making offensive comments. The backlash led to the cancellation of his Melbourne performance, with organisers distancing themselves from Lazenby’s statements.

Lazenby later issued an apology, expressing regret that his stories may have offended attendees and stating that this was never his intention.

Beyond his memorable turn as James Bond, Lazenby had a varied acting career, appearing in films like Universal Soldier (1971), Who Saw Her Die? (1972), and The Man from Hong Kong (1975). After declining to return as 007, Lazenby pivoted to business, successfully investing in real estate.

Now focused on family life, Lazenby remains an enduring figure in cinema history, remembered for his groundbreaking role and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.