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. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren insist James Bond should continue to be male.
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Bond 007: Daniel Craig
"No Time to Die" (2021) was Bond veteran Daniel Craig's fifth and final portrayal of the fictional MI6 agent, and the 25th in the 007 series. It has now been revealed that "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight is set to write the next James Bond movie, while filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, best known for "Dune," will direct the relaunch of the franchise. But who will be the lead star?
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The favorite: Aaron Taylor Johnson
Aaron Taylor Johnson keeps topping betting sites' lists of odds to pick up the role. It has also been reported that 007 producers had made a "formal offer" to the British actor to become the next James Bond. The "Tenet" and "28 Years Later" star 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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A superman: Henry Cavill
The British actor had already auditioned for the Bond role in "Casino Royale" back in 2005; as we know, it ultimately went to Daniel Craig. Cavill has since gained recognition for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe and as the lead star of the fantasy TV series "The Witcher." He remains a top contender to become the next 007 — at least according to fans and bookmakers.
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Part of a dream couple: Callum Turner
The odds are also good for English actor Callum Turner, who has shown he can tackle dangerous missions through his role in WWII drama miniseries "Masters of the Air." He's also known as Theseus, the brother of Newt Scamander in the "Fantastic Beasts" films. Fans hope to see him star alongside his real-life fiancee, pop icon Dua Lipa, who could appear as the next Bond girl and sing the new theme.
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Lucky charm: Cillian Murphy
Despite previous rumors, Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy has slipped down the pecking order, but he 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 the TV show "Peaky Blinders."
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A female option: Gillian Anderson
The "Sex Education" therapist definitely has the charisma and sex appeal needed for the character. But is the world ready for a Ms. Bond? Many people, including former 007 star Pierce Brosnan, don't see that as an option. Actor Helen Mirren also feels it wouldn't work: "I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy: You can't have a woman... otherwise it becomes something else."
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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. However, he said in 2023 that when the discussion only "became about race," it made the "whole thing disgusting and off-putting."
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A singing 007: Robbie Williams
Another outsider, the pop star has already shown his affection for Bond in the 1998 song "Millennium." Williams parodied 007 in the video, dressed in a tuxedo, driving an Aston Martin and surrounded by beautiful women in fluffy negligees. The singer has since matured, but maybe the gray streaks in his hair only add 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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