George Lazenby’s Net Worth 2025: Exploring The Fortune Of A Former Bond.
George Lazenby, an Australian actor, became internationally recognized for his portrayal of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). Though his time as 007 was brief, Lazenby’s decision to leave the franchise after just one film has been a topic of intrigue in Hollywood history. Today, in 2025, Lazenby’s net worth, career, and personal life remain subjects of interest. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind his decision to quit Bond, his financial earnings from the film, his current relationships, and more.
Why Did George Lazenby Quit James Bond?
George Lazenby’s decision to leave the James Bond franchise after just one film is often described as one of the most controversial moves in Hollywood history. After his role in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Lazenby chose not to return for the next Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever (1971), despite being offered a contract for multiple sequels.
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Lazenby has repeatedly stated that he felt that portraying Bond would limit his career. At the time, the actor was only 29, and though the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service received critical acclaim, it didn’t do as well at the box office as other Bond films. Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond was also a departure from the suave, often humorous characterization of the spy that Sean Connery had popularized. Lazenby’s version of Bond was more vulnerable and emotional, which earned praise from critics, but was not immediately embraced by the wider audience.
Despite the success of the film, Lazenby was advised by his agent to sign a multi-picture deal, but he declined, feeling that it would restrict his career. In hindsight, Lazenby has admitted to having some regret over the decision, as the Bond role could have provided him with a lucrative, long-term career in the franchise. However, he stands by his choice, believing it gave him the freedom to explore other roles.
How Much Was George Lazenby Paid for James Bond?
For his role as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, George Lazenby earned $1 million. While this was a significant paycheck for a relatively unknown actor at the time, it was still less than the salaries paid to future Bond actors. For comparison, Sean Connery earned $1.25 million for his return in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) after Lazenby’s departure. Lazenby’s pay was also considerably less than the paychecks later Bond actors like Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig would receive in their respective tenures as 007.
Although Lazenby’s salary for his sole Bond film wasn’t as large as the amounts that later Bond actors would command, it still provided him with financial security and opened up doors for other roles in Hollywood. Nevertheless, his brief appearance in the franchise meant that he didn’t see the long-term financial benefits other Bond actors enjoyed from their association with the iconic role.
Who Is the Richest James Bond Actor?
As of 2025, the richest James Bond actor is Sean Connery. Connery, who originated the role of 007 in Dr. No (1962), went on to star in seven Bond films before retiring from the role. While his career as James Bond is undoubtedly the most iconic, Connery’s extensive acting career across decades in both film and television significantly contributed to his net worth.
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At the time of his death in 2020, Sean Connery’s estimated net worth was around $350 million. Beyond his Bond films, Connery also achieved success in a wide variety of roles, such as in The Untouchables (1987), for which he won an Academy Award. This diverse career helped him amass significant wealth over the years, and his contribution to the Bond legacy remains unparalleled.
Other Bond actors like Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan are also quite wealthy, but Connery’s combination of Bond success and long-lasting film career has made him the richest actor to take on the role.
Who Is George Lazenby Married to Now?
As of 2025, George Lazenby is no longer married to Pam Shriver, the former professional tennis player whom he married in 2021. The two separated after a brief marriage, and they have since gone their separate ways. Despite this, Lazenby has continued to maintain a relatively low-key personal life.
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Before his marriage to Shriver, Lazenby was married to Christina Gannett, a relationship that lasted several years. Christina Gannett was an American woman who came from a well-known family in the media industry. The couple was married in the 1970s, though they eventually parted ways. Despite the ups and downs in his personal relationships, Lazenby’s life seems to have found stability, and he continues to remain active in his later years.
Did Diana Rigg and George Lazenby Get On?
Lazenby’s relationship with Diana Rigg, who played Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, has been a topic of interest for Bond fans. On-screen, their chemistry was undeniable, and their romance became one of the most significant aspects of the film, with Rigg’s character becoming the first woman to marry James Bond.
However, behind the scenes, Lazenby and Rigg’s relationship was reportedly less harmonious. Lazenby himself has admitted in interviews that he and Rigg did not get along as well as their on-screen chemistry suggested. Rigg was a seasoned actress with a strong personality, while Lazenby, a relative newcomer to acting at the time, was known for his rebellious and carefree attitude. Despite these tensions, both actors had immense respect for each other’s talents, and they ultimately put aside any differences to deliver a powerful performance.
Their dynamic off-screen didn’t prevent On Her Majesty’s Secret Service from being a critical success, and their on-screen romance remains one of the most beloved and emotional moments in the entire Bond series.
George Lazenby’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, George Lazenby’s net worth is estimated to be between $20 million and $25 million. Though he only starred in one Bond film, Lazenby has remained a notable figure in the entertainment industry, particularly due to his legacy in the Bond franchise. Since leaving Bond behind, Lazenby has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, though he never achieved the level of stardom that some of his Bond successors did.
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Lazenby’s wealth has been supplemented by his various ventures outside of acting. He has dabbled in business and has made money through appearances at Bond-related events, conventions, and retrospectives. Despite not enjoying the same financial success as other Bond actors, Lazenby’s career remains well-respected, and his financial status reflects his continued relevance in pop culture.
Conclusion
George Lazenby’s brief stint as James Bond has cemented his place in Hollywood history, and his decision to leave the franchise after just one film continues to generate conversation. While Lazenby’s departure from Bond was controversial, it ultimately allowed him to pursue other avenues in acting and life. His net worth in 2025 is a reflection of his diverse career, his connection to the Bond franchise, and his ability to navigate the entertainment industry despite stepping away from one of the most iconic roles in film history.
As George Lazenby continues to enjoy his later years, his legacy as 007 remains intact, and his story is one of ambition, rebellion, and a determination to live life on his own terms. While his time as James Bond may have been short-lived, his impact on the franchise and the world of cinema is everlasting.
