After singing the role of the baroness in the stage production of "The Sound of Music," Eunice Gayson went on to be the first Bond girl in 007's screen debut. She elicited the response "Bond, James Bond" in "Dr. No."
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Eunice Gayson has died at the age of 90.
The official James Bond Twitter account confirmed the news on Saturday:
The James Bond franchise's producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli wrote, "Our sincere thoughts are with her family."
Gayson was set to play Miss Moneypenny, but that part went to Lois Maxwell instead.
But she is the only Bond girl to have featured in two films, also appearing in the 1963 film "From Russia with Love," also with Sean Connery.
Speaking in 2012, Gayson said that getting Connery to deliver the famous line "Bond, James Bond" in response to her introduction of her own character as "Trench, Sylvia Trench" took some tutoring.
"I'd known Sean for years and I'd never seen him so nervous as he was on that day because of all these delays," Gayson said.
The film's director told her to take Connery out for a drink, which she did, bringing back a relaxed actor easily able to deliver the line.
From London to Jamaica for 'Dr. No'
Gayson was born in Croydon, south of London, in 1931. Her own voice was never heard in the Bond films. She had performed the role of the Baroness in the stage production of "The Sound of Music," and appeared in the Hammer Horror 1958 "Revenge of Frankenstein" film. However, her lines in "Dr. No" were voiced over by Berlin-born actress Nikki van der Zyl, who still works, aged 83, as an artist, poet, and public speaker.
While Gayson's character was intended to return for later films, the director of "Goldfinger," Guy Hamilton, decided against the idea.
Her daughter appeared in a casino scene in "GoldenEye," the 1995 Bond film.
Gayson played other roles, such as in the British secret agent TV series "The Avengers" in the 1960s, and wrote her autobiography in 2012.
Who will be the next James Bond?
Speculation over who will follow Daniel Craig as 007 has been rife. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been rumored to have been offered the role of the MI6 agent.
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Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The favorite
It has been reported that 007 producers had made a "formal offer" to Aaron Taylor-Johnson to become the next James Bond, following veteran Daniel Craig. The "Tenet" actor has since distanced himself from the rumors, though he also suggested in a "Rolling Stone UK" interview that it was simply too early to talk about it.
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Bond 007: Daniel Craig
"No Time to Die" was Bond veteran Daniel Craig's last spy film and the 25th in the 007 series produced by Eon Productions. It was his fifth and final portrayal of the fictional British MI6 agent. Beyond Taylor-Johnson, who else has been considered to take over?
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Lucky charm: Cillian Murphy
Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy has slipped down the pecking order it would seem in recent weeks, but still has an outside chance of being the first Irish Bond. At least we know he can put on an accent, as ably demonstrated in his Brummie role in "Peaky Blinders."
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Outside bet: Damian Lewis
As soon as reports started spreading that Daniel Craig wanted out, everyone started speculating on who would become the next 007. People even started betting on it. "Homeland" star Damian Lewis was among the early bookmakers favorites, but has since faded away.
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A female option: Gillian Anderson
Is the world ready for a Ms. Bond? Even if she's unsuccessful in nabbing the role of the famous British spy, the prospect of a female Bond is certainly an intriguing one. The "Sex Education" therapist definitely has the charisma and sex appeal needed for the character.
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Long shot: David Beckham
Even if the rumors seem a little far-fetched, some fans still hold out hope that the former soccer star will take on the role. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer may look the part in a tuxedo — but can he act?
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Slick style: Idris Elba
Famous for his iconic depictions of drug lord Stringer Bell in the TV series "The Wire" and detective John Luther in "Luther," this charismatic Golden Globe-award winner knows how to handle a gun. He got turned off from the idea, however, when the discussion only "became about race," he said in 2023, which made the "whole thing disgusting and off-putting."
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Robbie Williams
Another outsider, the pop star has already demonstrated his affection for Bond in the 1998 song, "Millennium." In the video, Williams parodied 007, dressed in a tuxedo, driving an Aston Martin, surrounded by beautiful women in fluffy negligees. The singer has since matured, with gray streaks. But maybe it only adds to the allure. Whether a singing Bond can save the world is another question.
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Muscled acting: Tom Hardy
Eddie Brock/Venom from the "Venom" films was another favorite among bookies. From "Black Hawk Down" to "Mad Max," Hardy has starred in all kinds of action films, and even in a Cold War espionage movie, "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy," so he's got enough experience for the role. He's got style, too, and has landed on different lists of sexiest men alive. Enough said.
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