With Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in “No Time to Die” behind us, speculation about who will be the next 007 is rampant. While we await the potential rise of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Regรฉ-Jean Page, Idris Elba, or James Norton, itโs a perfect time to revisit the legacy of past Bond actors and see how the iconic role has transformed over the years.
Looking back, our own Christian Tobin suggests that the original “Casino Royale” novel might hold the key to the future of Bond films. For the sake of completeness, weโve even included David Nivenโs quirky portrayal in the 1967 parody of “Casino Royale.”
And yes, weโve dared to rank the actors whoโve played Bond, knowing full well it might stir up some debate. But hey, whatโs a Bond discussion without a little controversy? We might just end up being your favorite Bond villains for it!
James Bond Actors in Order
Sean Connery (1962โ1967, 1971, and 1983)
Sean Connery was the first actor to portray James Bond in the official film series, debuting in 1962.
He played the role in seven films, including the first five and later returning for Diamonds Are Forever in 1971 and the non-EON production Never Say Never Again in 1983.
Despite initial doubts from Ian Fleming, Connery’s interpretation of Bond became iconic, combining charm and a degree of ruthlessness.
He passed away on 31st October 2020 at the age of 90.
David Niven (1967)
David Niven portrayed James Bond in the 1967 film Casino Royale, which is not part of the official EON Productions series.
Niven was Ian Fleming’s preferred choice for Bond, envisioning a character more in line with his literary creation.
At 56, Niven’s Bond was depicted as older, more settled, and cultured, adding a unique twist to the character.
George Lazenby (1969)
George Lazenby had the shortest tenure as James Bond, appearing in only On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Despite being relatively unknown prior to landing the role, Lazenby earned some praise for his performance, even receiving a Golden Globe nomination.
Misguided advice from his agent led him to believe the Bond image was losing appeal, prompting his premature exit from the series.
Roger Moore (1973โ1985)
Roger Moore holds the record for the most official Bond films, starring in seven.
His portrayal was more light-hearted and humorous compared to his predecessors.
Moore’s Bond combined elegance with a touch of his personal flair, such as preferring cigars to cigarettes.
Known for his roles in television series like The Saint and The Persuaders, Moore brought a unique charm to the role.
Timothy Dalton (1987โ1989)
Taking over from Moore, Timothy Dalton brought a more serious tone to the character of James Bond in his two films.
Dalton’s interpretation was praised for being closer to Ian Fleming’s original character.
Legal disputes over the Bond franchise’s licensing delayed any further films, ultimately leading to Dalton’s departure after his contract expired.
Pierce Brosnan (1995โ2002)
Pierce Brosnan blended elements of both Connery’s and Moore’s Bonds, bringing sophistication, wit, and occasional toughness to the role.
He starred in four films, beginning with GoldenEye.
His Bond was notably more modern, addressing shifting attitudes and criticisms, such as being called a “sexist, misogynist dinosaur” in GoldenEye.
Brosnan wished to continue for another film but left the role in 2004 after negotiations failed.
Daniel Craig (2006โ2021)
Daniel Craig’s arrival as James Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale marked a return to a grittier and more grounded portrayal of the character.
Though some fans were initially skeptical, Craig won acclaim and demonstrated a depth and intensity previously unseen in the franchise.
His tenure includes five films which makes him the longest-serving Bond in terms of years.
Craigโs final film, No Time to Die, sealed his place as one of the most memorable actors to take on the iconic role.
Best James Bond Actors Ranked
- Daniel Craig tops the list with his gritty, modern interpretation of the character, bringing emotional depth and complexity to the role. His portrayal has redefined Bond for contemporary audiences, making the character more relatable.
- Sean Connery, often seen as the quintessential Bond, brought a perfect blend of charm and toughness. His suave demeanor and iconic one-liners set the standard for future actors in the role.
- Timothy Dalton added a darker edge to the character, staying true to Ian Fleming’s original vision. His performance is often praised for being intense and compelling.
- Pierce Brosnan managed to bridge the gap between Connery’s sophistication and Dalton’s seriousness, offering a balanced and versatile portrayal.
- Roger Moore brought a lighter, more humorous touch to Bond, starring in seven films and becoming a fan favorite for his wit and charm.
- George Lazenby, although appearing in only one film, left a lasting impression with his strong performance in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
- David Niven played Bond in a more comedic, less conventional way, suited for the spoof-like “Casino Royale” (1967). While not considered one of the best, his unique take is still remembered.
Which Actor Played Bond for The Longest?
Daniel Craig holds the record for the longest-serving actor as James Bond, portraying the iconic character over a span of 15 years. His tenure began with Casino Royale in 2006 and concluded with No Time To Die in 2021.
Sean Connery played James Bond in six official films, excluding the non-Eon production Never Say Never Again.
Roger Moore still holds the record for appearing in the most James Bond films, starring in seven movies over a twelve-year period from 1973 to 1985.
| Actor | Number of Films | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Craig | 5 | 2006-2021 (15 years) |
| Sean Connery | 6 (excluding Never Say Never Again) | 1962-1971, 1983 |
| Roger Moore | 7 | 1973-1985 (12 years) |
Craig’s lengthy association with the character is impressive, though Moore’s seven films mark a significant contribution to the franchise.
