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The fate of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig: Is there life after James Bond?

Over the decades, various actors have portrayed the iconic spy, but not all found equal success in moving beyond 007

Eva Güimil

Apr 18, 2025 - 17:01CEST

“I have always hated that damn James Bond. I’d like to kill him,” was one of the many blunt remarks Sean Connery made after saying farewell to the character. Daniel Craig was no less direct when it came time to wrap up his run as the licensed-to-kill secret agent. “I’d rather slit my wrists" than be Bond again, he confessed after five films. This love-hate relationship with the character created by author Ian Fleming is one of the many traits shared by the actors who’ve embodied the iconic role. But there are also many things that set them apart — such as their film careers after Bond. Pictured: the most iconic Bond of all, Sean Connery in 'Goldfinger' (1964).Bettmann (Bettmann Archive)

BARRY NELSON, THE TELEVISION BOND – He portrayed James Bond in 'Casino Royale' (1954). For Bond purists, it’s hard to accept that the very first time the secret agent appeared on screen, he was American — and wasn’t even called James. Instead, he was referred to by the much more casual name: Jimmy. Jimmy Bond. Barry Nelson, a Broadway heartthrob, was chosen to bring the agent to life in 'Casino Royale,' an episode of the television anthology series 'Climax! Mystery Theater.' Years later, Nelson admitted he had no idea how to play the role, since the character was virtually unknown at the time. Bond’s rise to fame in the U.S. didn’t truly begin until the early 1960s, when president John F. Kennedy — a voracious reader fond of historical novels by Mary Renault and economic theory by John Kenneth Galbraith — included Ian Fleming’s 'From Russia with Love' on a list of his 10 favorite books, published by 'Life' magazine. That one-hour TV production also featured the first on-screen Bond villain, Le Chiffre, played by Peter Lorre, and the very first Bond girl, an honor that went to actress Linda Christian, wife of Tyrone Power and future mother of Romina Power.CBS Photo Archive (CBS via Getty Images)

Life After Bond – Playing the then-unknown James Bond didn’t bring Barry Nelson any lasting fame. Focused mainly on television, Nelson appeared in nearly every major series of the era — from 'Battlestar Galactica' to 'Three’s Company' and 'The Love Boat.' But his most memorable role— or perhaps his only truly memorable one — was as Ullman, the manager of the Overlook Hotel in 'The Shining.' Pictured: Barry Nelson in 'The Shining.'

DAVID NIVEN, THE PARODIC BOND – He portrayed James Bond in 'Casino Royale' (1967). David Niven was the Bond most closely aligned with Ian Fleming’s original literary version. In fact, Fleming himself once admitted that he had Niven in mind while writing 'Dr. No.' However, Niven ended up starring in the adaptation most distant from the Eon Productions series. After failing to reach an agreement with producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, Charles K. Feldman — who had acquired the rights to 'Casino Royale,' the first Bond novel — decided to take a humorous, satirical approach to the film. But the tone was not well received by critics or audiences.Sunset Boulevard (Corbis via Getty Images)

Life after Bond – So elegant and charismatic that not even a naked man streaking across the stage during the Oscars — while he was hosting — could wipe the smile off his face. David Niven carved out a niche for himself in heroic roles, starring in classics like 'The Guns of Navarone,' 'The Prisoner of Zenda,' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days.'He was already a legend long before playing the Bond of the wacky 'Casino Royale,' and he continued to appear in hits like 'Murder by Death' and 'Death on the Nile.' He also penned some of the most delightful and hilarious memoirs about Hollywood ever written.United Archives (Heinz Browers/United Archives vi)

SEAN CONNERY, THE 'ETERNAL BOND' – He portrayed Bond in 'Dr. No,' 'From Russia with Love,' 'Goldfinger,' 'Thunderball,' 'You Only Live Twice,' 'Diamonds Are Forever,' and 'Never Say Never Again.' Connery’s casting as Bond was love at first sight. After discovering him playing a farmhand in Disney's 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People,' producer Albert R. Broccoli called his wife Dana to ask if she thought this big, rugged man named Sean Connery had any sexual appeal. She had no doubt. Nor did she question that he would one day be a star. Widely regarded as the best Bond, Connery was the first actor to bring the character to the big screen. This decision wasn’t initially well received by Bond’s creator. Ian Fleming was reluctant at first, thinking that the giant “who looked like an action double,” with thin hair — he wore a wig in every film — and an Irish accent, was an unlikely choice to play the suave, sophisticated James Bond. However, those doubts were put to rest once Fleming saw 'Dr. No,' to the point where, to justify Connery’s casting, he incorporated the character’s Irish roots into one of his novels. Despite the overwhelming success of all the films and the immense profits they brought him, Connery had a complicated relationship with the role. After the fifth film, he walked away. But he later returned to save the franchise for the producers, with whom he had a rocky relationship, in 'Diamonds Are Forever.' His departure seemed final — until 1983, when he starred alongside Kim Basinger in a Bond film outside of the Broccoli canon, with a title that encapsulated his tumultuous bond with the character: 'Never Say Never Again.'Donaldson Collection (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – Despite being so closely identified with the character that, as he claimed, people would call him Bond on the street instead of Connery, the Irishman managed to balance his time in the franchise with other significant roles. He starred opposite a tormented Tippi Hedren in Hitchcock’s 'Marnie,' and took on a darker role in Sidney Lumet’s 'The Offence.' But nothing shattered the image of the distinguished 007 more drastically than the infamous "mankini" he wore in the misunderstood sci-fi film 'Zardoz.' With box office hits like 'Murder on the Orient Express,' 'The Man Who Would Be King,' and 'Robin and Marian,' he proved he could play any role and master any genre. After his final Bond film, Connery took on three roles that could each define a career: Ramírez in 'Highlander,' William of Baskerville in 'The Name of the Rose,' and Jim Malone in 'The Untouchables,' the latter earning him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. A regular on lists of the world’s sexiest men, he eventually transitioned from being the hero to playing the father of the hero, famously in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' where he once again showed off his signature wit and charm. Beloved by both critics and audiences, Connery continued to dominate the box office with leading roles in 'The Hunt for Red October,' 'The Russia House' (with Michelle Pfeiffer), 'The Rock,' and 'Entrapment,' where he was paired with Catherine Zeta-Jones. But not all endings are golden — his final film, 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,' proved disappointing and led to his retirement from acting. Before stepping away from Hollywood, he turned down the roles of Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' and Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' saga. Pictured: Sean Connery holding his Oscar for 'The Untouchables' (1988). Bob Riha Jr (Getty Images)

GEORGE LAZENBY, THE BRIEF BOND – Played Bond in 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.' After Sean Connery’s departure, producers Broccoli and Saltzman once again turned to an unknown to breathe new life into the franchise. George Lazenby, an Australian car mechanic turned model thanks to his good looks, had no real acting credentials when he showed up to the casting call — which he heard about during an orgy (Lazenby’s life was far more colorful than his films). In the audition, he invented a thriving film career in far-flung countries — because life was that simple before Google. His charm, good looks, and cheeky dimple landed him the role over 800 other hopefuls. The producers were thrilled: compared to the slightly aging Connery, Lazenby brought a youthful energy to the saga. It was a major win for a complete newcomer. But the real challenge began when he had to handle the pace and pressure of a blockbuster production. Fame went to his head before the first clapboard, and the Australian actor spent much of the shoot drinking and smoking marijuana, eventually clashing with nearly everyone on set. Despite his on-set troubles, he was offered a seven-film deal and a million-dollar contract — an unprecedented opportunity for such an inexperienced actor. But Lazenby shocked everyone when he declared: “Bond is a brute. I’ve already put him behind me. I will never play him again. Peace — that’s the message now.”Silver Screen Collection (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – Lazenby got swept up in the counterculture. He grew his hair long and badmouthed the character before the film was even released, causing significant damage at the box office. Broccoli, who had always prided himself on having a good eye for talent, later called Lazenby “my biggest mistake in 16 years.” The actor claimed he wanted to embrace the ideals of peace and love — especially love — from the hippie movement. In practice, though, he went off to Hong Kong to make martial arts films that promised easy money for little effort. His big break was supposed to be a collaboration with Bruce Lee, but the 'Enter the Dragon' star died just hours after their first meeting. Broke by 1978, Lazenby was forced to take out an ad in 'Variety' looking for work. He ended up appearing in shows like 'Diagnosis: Murder' and 'Baywatch,' along with a string of B movies. Ironically, he later became one of the most active and enthusiastic ambassadors of the very character he had once rejected.©FX Networks/Courtesy:Everett Collection / Everett Collection / Cordon Press

ROGER MOORE, THE ELEGANT BOND – Portrayed Bond in: '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.' Roger Moore had the best possible endorsement when stepping into the role of James Bond: the blessing of his predecessor, Sean Connery — despite the fact that his version of the agent was a complete departure from the one Connery had embodied. The two couldn’t have been more different. Where Connery brought intensity and old-school masculinity, Moore delivered sophistication and wit. Connery was a scrappy Irishman; Moore was the embodiment of British charm. After the fiasco of George Lazenby, producers didn’t take a chance on another unknown. Instead, they went with a proven television star. Moore was already widely known as 'The Saint' — Simon Templar — before donning the tuxedo. He became the most elegant Bond, and also the oldest. He joined the franchise at 45. Knowing he had to set himself apart from his predecessor, Moore introduced subtle distinctions: he smoked cigars instead of cigarettes and never drove the iconic Aston Martin. He wasn’t a man of action — in fact, he looked so awkward running that a stunt double had to be used for chase scenes. But no one ever held a glass of Bollinger with more class. Moore bowed out when he felt he was too old to convincingly woo the ever-youthful Bond girls — a staple of the franchise. “The leading ladies were young enough to be my granddaughter,” he remarked. Elegant, on screen and off. Hulton Archive (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – A regular of the jet set in glamorous hotspots like Monaco, Gstaad, and Marbella, Roger Moore was as much a character off-screen as he was on it. He was often seen mingling with close friends Gregory Peck and Gene Kelly in the most exclusive circles. He only wore suits tailored on Savile Row and was so meticulous about his wardrobe that he even designed some of his own outfits. After 'A View to a Kill,' Moore took a five-year break. He never quite replicated the success he had enjoyed as Bond. His most notable post-Bond appearance was as the Spice Girls’ manager in 'Spice World,' a performance that earned him a Razzie nomination — in the same category as Sean Connery for 'The Avengers.' Two of the most iconic Bonds were once again mentioned together, though this time for less flattering reasons. In the image: Roger Moore in 'Boat Trip' (2002). Rights Managed (Ronald Grant Archive / Mary Evan / Cordon Press)

TIMOTHY DALTON, THE GRITTY BOND – He played James Bond in 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence to Kill.' Before accepting the role, Dalton turned it down twice — first because he felt too young at just 24, and later due to disagreements with the script. Initially, his schedule clashed with production plans, prompting Broccoli and Saltzman to choose Pierce Brosnan. However, when the producers of Remington Steele got wind of it, they blocked Brosnan from taking on the role, making Dalton the top choice once again. 'The Living Daylights' became a box office success, outperforming the last few Roger Moore films. This Bond could run — and fight. The franchise took a sharp turn toward realism: more grit, less glamour. Gone was the suave, indestructible secret agent; in his place stood a vengeful, emotionally driven man of action. With a three-film deal and a strong debut, it looked like Dalton would carry the franchise into a bold new era. But a legal dispute among the producers delayed the next installment, and in the meantime, Dalton chose to focus on 'Scarlett,' the little-remembered TV sequel to 'Gone with the Wind,' where he played Rhett Butler.Keith Hamshere (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – Dalton considered being Bond “a parenthesis” in an actor’s life — and so it was in his case. Rather than a career-defining role, playing the agent became a springboard for more daring projects. With a strong interest in political themes, he chose 'The Informant,' a film about the Irish Republican Army, as his first post-Bond work. Deeply devoted to the theater, he also made a strong mark on television. He starred in all three seasons of 'Penny Dreadful' and 'Doom Patrol,' and made appearances in 'Doctor Who' and 'Chuck.' More recently, he portrayed Peter Townsend — Princess Margaret’s great love — in Season 5 of 'The Crown,' and joined the cast of '1923,' alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. We’ve also heard his voice quite a bit: Dalton is a frequent voice actor in animated films, lending his voice, for example, to the sweet Mr. Pricklepants in 'Toy Story.' Pictured: Timothy Dalton as Peter Townsend in Season 5 of 'The Crown.'©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection / Cordon Press

PIERCE BROSNAN, THE DESIRED BOND– He played Bond in 'GoldenEye,' 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' 'The World Is Not Enough,' and 'Die Another Day.' He was another actor brought into the saga thanks to the sharp eye of Dana Broccoli. The producer’s wife took note of his handsome face when Brosnan visited the set of 'For Your Eyes Only,' where his then-wife Cassandra Harris was playing one of the Bond girls. Years later, when the role became available after Roger Moore’s farewell, they reached out to him. By that time, Brosnan was no longer an unknown — he was the star of the hugely successful 'Remington Steele,' where he played a detective as elegant as he was passionate about movies. Brosnan was thrilled about the opportunity, but NBC made him fulfill his contract, so he had to wait until the show ended to finally appear as Bond in 'GoldenEye.' With a soundtrack by Tina Turner and Judi Dench debuting as M, Martin Campbell’s film breathed new life into the franchise and won over critics and audiences alike. The same can’t be said for his subsequent films, though none of their shortcomings were Brosnan’s fault. But that’s not what the infallible Broccolis thought — he became the only Bond actor to be fired from the saga.Keith Hamshere (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – There are surely viewers who barely remember he was once James Bond. Pierce Brosnan, currently hitting screens in 'Black Bag,' the latest TV show by Steven Soderbergh, has skillfully and successfully built a career entirely separate from the character created by Ian Fleming. To avoid being typecast, the actor asked the Bond producers to let him pursue other projects between films — a move that allowed him to explore a variety of genres. He joined the zany world of Tim Burton’s 'Mars Attacks!,' fell (unsuccessfully) in love with Barbra Streisand in 'The Mirror Has Two Faces,' and played a volcanologist in 'Dante’s Peak.' He also took on the role of a dashing art thief in 'The Thomas Crown Affair,' a remake of the Steve McQueen classic — though he wasn’t allowed to wear a tuxedo due to a strict rule from the 007 producers. After being dismissed from the Bond franchise, Brosnan achieved the biggest box office success of his career. He played one of Meryl Streep’s suitors in 'Mamma Mia!,' which grossed nearly $600 million worldwide. He’s kept up a blistering work pace and currently has half a dozen projects in production, including an adaptation of the best-selling novel 'The Thursday Murder Club,' in which he’ll solve crimes alongside Helen Mirren. In the image, Pierce Brosnan in 'Four Letters of Love' (2024).Courtesy Everett Collection / Cordon Press

DANIEL CRAIG, THE BLONDE BOND – He played Bond in 'Casino Royale,' 'Quantum of Solace,' 'Skyfall,' 'Spectre,' and 'No Time to Die.' This time, it wasn’t Dana but her daughter Barbara Broccoli who hired him. The heiress of the Broccoli family was captivated by Craig’s presence after seeing him portray John Ballard in 'Elizabeth.' She described him as "the most charismatic person I have ever seen on the screen." From then on, her only mission was to convince him to take the role, even though he didn’t match the character’s description. He was blonde, too short, and had a much less harmonious appearance than his predecessors. He wasn’t an unknown, but he had never been the lead in a major production. Social media, the thermometer of popularity today, wasn’t too thrilled about his casting, but once his Herculean body emerged from the water in 'Casino Royale,' all doubts vanished. The 21st-century James Bond had finally arrived, and the critics recognized it, calling 'Casino Royale' "the best Bond film in decades." Bond films were an event again, and Daniel Craig elevated his status in Hollywood, something that had never really been his goal.Greg Williams (Getty Images)

Life after Bond – The level of fame he was forced to deal with and the personal demands he imposed on himself (he even filmed with a broken knee) gradually distanced him from a franchise in which he always felt somewhat out of place. The most athletic and tormented Bond has said a definitive goodbye, and now it’s time to find a replacement for a Craig who has managed to keep his career afloat outside the franchise. The actor was part of two failed blockbusters: 'Cowboys and Aliens' and the American version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' which, despite being planned as a trilogy, never went beyond a single film. He had more success with 'Knives Out,' with the third installment already in post-production. He also found success with 'Queer,' the adaptation of William S. Burroughs' work, where he plays a version of the writer — a gay, drug addict, and involuntary murderer of his wife. This marks a return to the risky roles he chose early in his career, such as George Dyer, the lover of Francis Bacon in 'Love Is the Devil,' or Perry Smith, the killer in 'In Cold Blood,' who captivated Truman Capote in 'Capote.' In the image, Daniel Craig (with Drew Starkey) in 'Queer' (2024).Courtesy Everett Collection / Cordon Press