Bond legend George Lazenby announces retirement

The 84-year-old star - who is best known for his role as James Bond in the 1969 007 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service opposite Diana Rigg  - said on Thursday it has been a "fun ride" but getting older had taken its toll. 

"This hasn't been an easy decision but it's time to announce my retirement from work," the Australian actor wrote on X. 

"Therefore, I won't be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today.

"It's been a fun ride but getting older is no fun."

Away from the 007 series, Lazenby - who was married to Chrissie Townson from 1973 until 1995 and then to Pam Shriver from 2002 until 2011 - was also known for his roles in Universal Soldier, Who Saw Her Die? and The Man from Hong Kong.

Lazenby was a model and had acted in commercials when he was chosen to replace Sean Connery in the spy franchise, but he decided to appear in only one instalment.

His career stalled in the late 1970s and he moved into business and invested in real estate. 

He continued to appear on screen in roles that parodied Bond, and appeared in TV shows such as General Hospital and Rituals before playing Mario in the television adaptations of the Emmanuelle book series.

Having admitted the Bond movie ushered him into Hollywood, he later said it was "worth the 10 years it cost" him in terms of work, recounting his time with the franchise as part of the 2017 documentary Becoming Bond.

Lazenby's final screen appearances will come in the form the upcoming films Mundije and Z Dead End, both of which are in post-production. 

"I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 - the best representative I ever had," Lazenby wrote on X. 

"I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. I sincerely thank everyone out there for your love and support over the  years. It has meant a lot to me."

Australian Associated Press