George Lazenby, 84, has officially retired from acting.
The former James Bond actor shared the announcement on Instagram and X on July 24.
“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 any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself.
“It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun.”
Lazenby also thanked his manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping him over the past 11 years, calling him 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.”
The 84-year-old Australian actor made his big screen debut as the second actor to portray the legendary character James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
However, his reign as an MI6 agent was short-lived as he only played 007 for one film and was replaced by his predecessor Sean Connery.
After leaving the Bond franchise, Lazenby struggled to land new roles. At one point he declared himself unhireable.
Although he secured a few roles in made for television movies in his native Australia, Lazenby was still unsatisfied so he returned to Los Angeles where he began taking acting classes.
In 1978, he took out an ad in Variety offering his skills as an actor. The next year he landed a supporting role in the 1979 film Saint Jack. He went on to appear in more than 60 movies and television series, according to his IMDb profile.
Congratulations on your retirement, George!
READ MORE:
- George Lazenby rejects six James Bond films, tanks career, later loses son, 19, to brain tumor
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