Diana Rigg's Criticism of George Lazenby in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’
George Lazenby's portrayal of James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service was met with a great deal of criticism from his co-star, Diana Rigg. While Lazenby had a brief and controversial run as the iconic British secret agent, Rigg's criticism of Lazenby continued for decades, often through interviews and media engagements.
Initial Criticisms
Following the release of the film, Rigg began to criticize Lazenby in interviews and through letters to the press. She described Lazenby as "stupid" and "unprofessional," with her initial public statements appearing in newspapers such as The Daily Sketch and The Independent. In one particularly heated letter to The Daily Sketch, she accused Lazenby of an "inexcusable and crude" behavior and noted his "paranoid" comments about his fellow cast and crew members. When a scene required Rigg to drive, Lazenby's frustration and anger escalated to such an extent that he threatened to "smash your face in," according to Rigg's recounting of the event.
Further Revelations and Controversies
Lois Maxwell, another cast member, provided additional perspective on the tensions between Rigg and Lazenby. In a now-defunct Bond fanzine, she revealed that Rigg believed that she should have been sufficient for Lazenby without the need to seek other romantic relationships. This was corroborated when Lazenby, during a QA at a Bond event in Los Angeles 15 years later, admitted to an on-set affair with their hotel receptionist.
The incident took place during a scene when Rigg walked past a storage tent, and a photographer's flap revealed Lazenby in an compromising position with the receptionist. The heated argument that ensued was a testament to the on-set tensions, which affected not only their professional relationship but also their personal lives.
Professional and Personal Impacts
In addition to the public controversies, there was also an internal conflict within the production. Rigg’s comments about the lack of chemistry between her and Lazenby were significant, as these comments echoed the sentiment among many audience members who felt that Lazenby was an unsuitable choice for the role. Rigg went on to remark that "there was no chemistry" and that Lazenby "could not act," despite his brief brief stint as Bond.
Despite these criticisms, Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond did not significantly impact his career. Interestingly, many later photos of Lazenby showed that he aged relatively well, better than many other actors who have portrayed the character over the years. However, his casting in On Her Majesty's Secret Service did not enhance his reputation within the entertainment industry. In comparison, Sean Connery remains the definitive Bond in the hearts of many fans.
Final Thoughts
The aftermath of the film serves as a fascinating insight into the complexities and controversies surrounding the casting of iconic roles in film. While Lazenby’s brief tenure as Bond may have been remembered as controversial, it is clear that Rigg's criticism had a lasting impact on his legacy.