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James Bond legend, 85, clings to walker alongside nurse just days after famous ex-wife reveals dementia battle

BBG News

An Australian actor known for portraying James Bond was recently seen in Los Angeles on a Friday, not long after his former spouse disclosed that he is dealing with dementia.

On a sun-kissed afternoon, the 85-year-old George Lazenby was noticeably weak and utilized a walker for support. A caring nurse aide was always nearby, offering assistance.

Over half a century has passed since George Lazenby donned the tuxedo as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, his sole appearance as the famous agent, yet he effortlessly brought back that classic allure through a charming grin.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I found myself strolling along the sidewalk, attired in a crisp light blue polo and stylish black trousers, much like the esteemed actor I was accompanying, who had been nominated for a Golden Globe. Maintaining a measured stride, I occasionally leaned on my trusted companion – a nurse – for support during our leisurely walk.

The uncommon occurrence takes place following Pam Shriver, Lazenby’s former spouse (who is a Wimbledon champion and divorced him in 2008 after six years of marriage), writing an introspective article describing their reunion and her role as caregiver during Lazenby’s final life phase.

George, currently at the age of 85, is experiencing dementia; however, his core essence remains undiminished. He may be a slightly altered version of his former self – and that’s the crucial aspect, as she put it in her article for The Telegraph.

In the year 2000, Pam and George crossed paths for the first time during the Wimbledon tournament, and they tied the knot exactly two years later when she had turned 40 and he had reached 63 years of age.

Before finalizing their divorce in 2011, they had already welcomed three kids into their family, due to unresolvable conflicts between them, which were referred to as irreconcilable differences.

However, their split was far from amicable. 

In her essay, Pam openly acknowledged that it was truly terrible, not trying to sugarcoat it. She also mentioned that they remained silent for a period of two years.

Gradually, the ex-pair learned to move past their turbulent history, particularly since they share custody of their kids and are currently navigating George’s deteriorating health situation jointly.

As per Shriver’s account, a significant event occurred in January 2025, when the Los Angeles wildfires almost confined her ex-partner.

Earlier this year, he found himself dangerously close to the wildfires in Los Angeles, but managed to escape just in time. This event made her realize anew how important he is to her.

In the final stage of George’s life, she expressed a desire to prolong this late-stage opportunity for reconciliation and revitalization for as long as possible.

Now, the pair have settled into a quiet routine. 

She mentioned that we often take strolls together, discussing our children and the minor worries that are familiar to those with aging relatives.

‘Despite having dementia, which affects his short-term memory, he still shares tales about his past, such as his journey to London in 1964 on a boat, with only a small amount of money. He pursued the girl who left Canberra because her father disapproved of their relationship, as he came from a different social background.’

She mentioned, “Now, I’ve established a daily routine where I make sure to spend at least an hour with George each day when I’m at home.

Regardless of whether the Tennis Channel repeatedly broadcasts the same matches, it’s irrelevant to him since he can’t recall specific details.

Despite having a brief tenure as Bond, appearing in only one movie (between Sean Connery’s “You Only Live Twice” and “Live and Let Die”), George Lazenby’s influence as the sole 007 to step down from the role continues to be iconic.

During the nine-month production of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, as Pam remembered, he relished the mischief he was involved in: the drinking, the hanging out with marijuana, and his encounters with several cast members.

But not everything about being Bond came easy. 

In her writing, she mentioned that he struggled to manage the high demands that came along with such a significant position.

For the movie premiere, he decided to grow a beard specifically to irritate his superiors. Later on, when they presented him with an offer of one million pounds to commit to six more films, he declined and chose to leave instead.

Looking back, Lazenby himself was modest about his 007 debut. 

In his 2019 book, The Many Lives of James Bond, he stated, “I did my utmost,” he said. “In a way, I was trying to emulate Sean Connery.

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2025-07-12 01:03

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