James Bond is one of the most popular movie characters and film franchises of all time. Since 1962, Bond has been delighting audiences around the world with his exotic adventures, high octane thrills, and complex political mysteries involving terrifying villains.
Due to this incredibly long cinematic history, countless actors have appeared in the Bond series, with some appearing in a more understated manner before they would eventually ‘make it’ themselves, which can often lead to a surprise when you notice them. This article will list 10 actors you may have forgotten were in the Bond movies.
10 Sammy Davis Jr
Diamonds are Forever is a notable Bond movie. It marks both Sean Connery’s return and final departure from the role of James Bond, with the Scottish actor reprising the role after George Lazenby’s poorly received turn in the tuxedo.
However, fans of Diamonds are Forever will remember that famous singer and actor, Sammy Davis Jr almost appeared in the final cut of the film. The Rat Pack member appeared in the film during a casino scene, though this scene is only available as a deleted scene.
9 Dolph Lundgren
The James Bond series loves an Aryan henchman. Ever since Red Grant appeared in From Russia With Love, the movie series has always managed to squeeze in a muscle-bound, blonde villain; whether it be Stamper in Tomorrow Never Dies, Necros in the Living Daylights, or Venz in A View to a Kill.
The latter was played by the young and upcoming Dolph Lundgren, though it’s a shame the Swedish actor didn’t get any lines or do anything particularly memorable.
8 Gerard Butler
Before he would become known as King Leonidas of Sparta, Gerard Butler would make a brief appearance in the opening scenes of the Pierce Brosnan Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies.
The Scottish actor plays a sailor aboard the doomed HMS Devonshire shortly before it was due to be sunk by the villain’s terrifying Stealth Ship.
7 Joanna Lumley
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service didn’t get the respect it deserved upon its initial release. Due to the fact that the incredibly popular Sean Connery was replaced in the role of James Bond, many fans didn’t adjust to the new face in the title role.
It was fairly unlucky for Joanna Lumley, then, that she appeared in one of the least-watched and oft-forgotten Bond movies as she went on to become a huge actress in the UK.
6 Madonna
While the Queen of Pop isn’t strictly speaking an actress, she still deserves to be on this list due to the fact that she is one of the most famous people to have appeared in a Bond movie.
Madonna had a brief appearance in Die Another Day, with the Queen of Pop flirting with James Bond in a fencing club. In addition to this appearance in the movie, Madonna also recorded the accompanying song of the movie.
5 Tobias Menzies
Tobias Menzies has gone on to receive some of the biggest roles in the biggest TV shows of late. The British actor played Edmure Tully in Game of Thrones, Jack and Frank Randall in Outlander, and Prince Phillip in Netflix’s the Crown.
However, some may forget that Menzies was also in Casino Royale, with the British actor playing the role of Villiers in Daniel Craig’s first Bond movie. Despite the fact that this character would appear in the later movies, the character was replaced with Rory Kinnear in the role of Tanner.
4 Charles Dance
Charles Dance will always be remembered as the actor behind the intimidating and Machiavellian character of Tywin Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones. However, the British actor did indeed appear in a James Bond movie.
The actor appeared in For Your Eyes Only as an assassin named Claus, who unsuccessfully attempts to kill Bond numerous times during the movie, before meeting his end via harpoon in the back.
3 Benicio Del Toro
Benicio Del Toro has had a career renaissance of late, with the actor appearing in the hugely successful MCU series of films as the Collector, the brother of the Grandmaster.
However, decades before the MCU had even been thought of, Benicio Del Toro would appear as a fresh-faced, young actor in the Timothy Dalton film, Licence to Kill.
2 Hugh Bonneville
Downton Abbey is one of the most successful TV shows of recent years. The series managed to draw in viewers around the world with its intricate storylines and uniquely British aesthetic.
However, one of the stars of Downton Abbey, Hugh Bonneville, can be seen during Tomorrow Never Dies. The actor plays a British sailor aboard the HMS Bedford.
1 Minnie Driver
Goldeneye is one of the most important Bond movies of all time. Not only did the movie kickstart the modern James Bond era, with Pierce Brosnan stepping into the role of James Bond and the title of the film serving as the title for one of the most important video games of all time.
While Minnie Driver is known for her voice roles in Tarzan and the English dub of Princess Mononoke, as well as her live-action roles in the Phantom of the Opera and Spinning Man, you will actually see the actress briefly in Goldeneye. In the film, Minnie Driver plays a singer in Valentin Zukovsky’s club.
