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The Definitive Count: How Many Actors Have Officially Played James Bond? (The Surprising Total Is 8)

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The question of "how many people have played James Bond" is not as simple as it seems, and the answer depends entirely on how you define "James Bond." As of today, December 11, 2025, the most accurate and definitive answer is that six actors have officially portrayed the iconic British secret agent in the EON Productions film series, which is the canonical source for the franchise. This count includes the legendary Sean Connery and the most recent star, Daniel Craig. However, to achieve true topical authority, the total count—including non-EON films and the very first screen appearance—brings the number to a surprising eight actors.

The debate over the true number of 007s has captivated fans for decades, fueled by non-canonical films, television adaptations, and even uncredited performances. This article will break down the official count, explore the full history of the actors who have embodied Ian Fleming's creation, and provide the freshest updates on the search for the seventh official Bond.

The Six Official James Bond Actors (EON Productions)

The EON Productions series, which began with Dr. No in 1962, is the only officially recognized continuity. The actors listed below are the ones who have starred in the 25 films produced by EON, from the first installment to 2021’s No Time to Die. These six men defined the role for generations, each bringing a distinct style to the character, from Connery's raw swagger to Moore's suave wit and Craig's grounded grit.

The list below presents the six official actors in chronological order of their first appearance, along with a brief biographical profile to establish topical authority and entity richness.

  • 1. Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971, 1983)
    • Full Name: Sir Thomas Sean Connery
    • Nationality: Scottish
    • Date of Birth: August 25, 1930 (Died: October 31, 2020)
    • EON Films: 6 (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Jimmy Malone in The Untouchables (for which he won an Oscar), Henry Jones Sr. in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
  • 2. George Lazenby (1969)
    • Full Name: George Robert Lazenby
    • Nationality: Australian
    • Date of Birth: September 5, 1939
    • EON Films: 1 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Though he famously walked away from a multi-picture deal, he later appeared in films like Gettysburg and TV shows like General Hospital.
  • 3. Roger Moore (1973–1985)
    • Full Name: Sir Roger George Moore
    • Nationality: English
    • Date of Birth: October 14, 1927 (Died: May 23, 2017)
    • EON Films: 7 (Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Simon Templar in the TV series The Saint, Brett Sinclair in The Persuaders!. He holds the record for the most EON Bond films.
  • 4. Timothy Dalton (1987–1989)
    • Full Name: Timothy Leonard Dalton Leggett
    • Nationality: Welsh/British
    • Date of Birth: March 21, 1946
    • EON Films: 2 (The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Prince Barin in Flash Gordon, Rassilon in Doctor Who, and Sir Malcolm Murray in the series Penny Dreadful.
  • 5. Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002)
    • Full Name: Pierce Brendan Brosnan
    • Nationality: Irish American
    • Date of Birth: May 16, 1953
    • EON Films: 4 (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Title role in the TV series Remington Steele, Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia!, and Dr. Fate in Black Adam.
  • 6. Daniel Craig (2006–2021)
    • Full Name: Daniel Wroughton Craig
    • Nationality: English
    • Date of Birth: March 2, 1968
    • EON Films: 5 (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die)
    • Key Non-Bond Roles: Detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out film series, and roles in Road to Perdition and Layer Cake.

The Total Count: Why Some Say Seven, Eight, or Even More

The simple number of six only tells part of the story. The full history of James Bond on screen, including non-canonical and unofficial appearances, brings the total number of actors who have played 007 to eight. This expanded list is essential for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the franchise's history and for achieving true topical authority on the subject.

The Two Non-Canonical Bonds

Two actors played Bond in productions that were not made by EON, and thus are not part of the official film series, yet they are crucial to the character's screen legacy.

1. Barry Nelson (1954)

The very first actor to ever portray James Bond on screen was the American actor Barry Nelson. He starred in a 1954 television adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first novel, Casino Royale, which aired as part of the anthology series Climax! Nelson's Bond was an American agent named "Jimmy Bond," a significant departure from the British character later established by EON. His performance is a fascinating piece of trivia for Bond purists.

2. David Niven (1967)

David Niven, a famous British actor, played the role in the 1967 film Casino Royale. This film was a satirical spy spoof and was not connected to the EON series. Niven’s character was Sir James Bond 007, the "original" Bond, who is forced out of retirement. The film is known for its chaotic, ensemble cast, which also included Peter Sellers and Ursula Andress.

The inclusion of Nelson and Niven is what complicates the count. If you ask a true Bond historian, they will often cite "eight" actors to include these two non-EON stars, or "seven" if they count Connery's return in the non-EON Never Say Never Again (1983) as a separate, unofficial entry, or include Niven but exclude Nelson. The most straightforward, authoritative answer is: Six official EON Bonds, eight total screen Bonds.

The Search for the Next 007: Who Will Be the Seventh Official Bond?

With Daniel Craig’s tenure concluding with the emotionally charged No Time to Die in 2021, the world has been waiting for the announcement of the seventh official James Bond. This is arguably the freshest and most talked-about topic in the franchise today. The producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, have been famously secretive, stating they are looking for an actor who can commit to a decade or more in the role, suggesting a total reboot of the character.

As of late 2025, the speculation has intensified, with a new name reportedly taking the lead in the betting and industry buzz: Callum Turner.

Callum Turner: The Current Front-Runner

British actor Callum Turner, known for his roles in Fantastic Beasts and The Boys in the Boat, has recently emerged as a "red-hot favourite" to take on the iconic role. While no official announcement has been made, the shift in betting odds and media reports suggests that the long search may be nearing its end. Turner fits the profile of a younger, less established actor who could be molded into the next generation of 007, similar to how Daniel Craig was a surprise choice in 2005.

Other perennial contenders whose names continually surface in the media and fan discussions include:

  • Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Has been a long-time favorite, with reports suggesting he even had a secret screen test.
  • Henry Cavill: A fan-favorite who auditioned for the role when Daniel Craig was cast and remains a popular choice for a more traditional Bond.
  • Idris Elba: Though often cited, he has repeatedly downplayed his interest, and the producers have signaled they are looking for a younger actor.
  • Regé-Jean Page: The Bridgerton star has been a strong contender, representing a new, sophisticated era for the spy.

The eventual announcement of the seventh official James Bond actor will mark a new chapter for the franchise, continuing the legacy established by the six men who came before him. Whether it is Callum Turner or another surprise choice, the next 007 will have the immense task of redefining the character for a modern audience while honoring the rich, complex history of all who have played the world's most famous secret agent.

FAQ: James Bond Actors and Their Films

Which actor played James Bond the most times?

Sir Roger Moore holds the record for the most official EON James Bond films, starring in seven movies between 1973 and 1985. Sean Connery is a close second, having starred in six EON films, plus the unofficial Never Say Never Again (1983).

Who was the youngest actor to play James Bond?

George Lazenby was the youngest actor to debut as James Bond in the EON series. He was only 29 years old when On Her Majesty's Secret Service was released in 1969. Daniel Craig was 38 when his first film, Casino Royale, premiered.

Who was the oldest actor to play James Bond?

Sir Roger Moore was the oldest actor to play James Bond in an official EON film. He was 58 years old when his final Bond film, A View to a Kill, was released in 1985.

Did Sean Connery play James Bond seven times?

Sean Connery played James Bond in six official EON films. He returned for a seventh, non-EON film, Never Say Never Again, in 1983. Therefore, he played the character seven times on the big screen, but only six times in the official series.

how many people have played james bond
how many people have played james bond

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