James Bond. 007. The name alone evokes imagery of martinis (shaken, not stirred), Aston Martins, and stylish espionage against the world’s most dastardly villains. Since his cinematic debut in 1962, Bond has been portrayed by a series of actors, each bringing a distinct flavor to Ian Fleming’s legendary spy. But did you know that among the suave, suited elite of MI6 is a deep and unexpected Irish connection?

In this blog, we’ll walk through all James Bond actors in order, explore how many movies each played, dive into who almost became Bond, and uncover the fascinating role that Ireland — and Irish actors — have played in shaping the global legacy of the world’s most famous secret agent.

Who Are the 9 Actors Who Played James Bond? (In Order)

Here are the James Bond actors in order by year, from the very beginning to the present:

1. Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971, 1983)

• Films: Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, and Never Say Never Again (unofficial)

• Fun Fact: Scottish-born Connery set the tone for Bond — suave, dangerous, and irresistible.

2. David Niven (1967, Casino Royale – Unofficial)

• A comedic, out-of-canon version of Bond in a satire. Still counts as part of Bond trivia royalty.

3. George Lazenby (1969)

• Film: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

• Why Did George Lazenby Leave Bond?
  Lazenby turned down a seven-film contract, believing the Bond character was outdated in the swinging 60s. Big mistake — critics now praise his one-time performance for its emotional depth.

4. Roger Moore (1973–1985)

• Films: 7 total including Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me, and A View to a Kill

• He brought a lighter, more humorous Bond to the screen.

5. Timothy Dalton (1987–1989)

• Films: The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill

• Known for his darker, more serious tone — foreshadowing Daniel Craig.

6. Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002)

• Films: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day

• Irish Connection Alert!
  Pierce Brosnan was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland, and raised in Navan, Co. Meath. Brosnan was the first Irish actor to officially play James Bond and arguably one of the most popular among global fans.

7. Daniel Craig (2006–2021)

• Films: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die

• Best James Bond Actor?
  Many consider Craig the best Bond for his gritty, emotional depth and physicality.

8. Barry Nelson (1954 – Casino Royale TV adaptation)

• Technically the first-ever Bond (American actor playing British Bond), often forgotten in major rankings.

9. Next Bond: TBA

• As of now, the new 007 remains uncast. But Irish fans are still holding out hope for a second Irish Bond…

How Many James Bond Movies Did Each Actor Do?

Who Is Considered the Best James Bond?

This is where it gets personal — and heated.

• Connery is the original and arguably the most iconic.

• Craig brought realism and depth.

• Brosnan, especially for Irish fans, is the perfect balance of charm and danger.

• Moore was the most fun. Ultimately, the best James Bond actor depends on what version of 007 you prefer — vintage spy fantasy or modern-day grit.

Irish Connections: Beyond Brosnan

Ireland has more than just Brosnan to offer to the Bond universe:

🟩 Barry Fitzgerald, a famed Irish actor from the 1940s, was once considered as a character actor for early Bond films.

🟩 The Irish film industry has played a major part in modern Bond productions, with parts of Die Another Day and The World Is Not Enough utilizing Irish editing and special effects teams.

🟩 The James Bond Ireland Fan Club is one of the largest in Europe — proof that the Emerald Isle has a big place in its heart for 007.

Who Almost Played James Bond Instead of Daniel Craig?

Several actors were considered before Craig won the role:

• Henry Cavill (part Irish ancestry)

• Clive Owen

• Sam Worthington

There were even whispers of Colin Farrell, born in Dublin, potentially becoming the next Irish Bond — a rumour that still resurfaces when fan casting gets imaginative.

Music & Bond: Irish Notes and Female Power

🎵 Which Bond Film Did Jack White and Alicia Keys Sing In?

• Quantum of Solace (2008) featured the high-octane track “Another Way to Die” by White and Keys — the only Bond theme with a duet.

🎬 James Bond Female Actors

From Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) to Eva Green (Vesper Lynd), female actors in Bond films have evolved from simple eye candy to complex, intelligent characters — with actresses like Irish-British Samantha Bond (who played Miss Moneypenny in Brosnan’s run) contributing significantly to the modern franchise.

All James Bond Actors in Order With Pictures

(Include a visual carousel here if on your website, with actor headshots and film years)

Ireland and Espionage: A Tangled Legacy

Though fictional, Bond echoes real-world spycraft — and Ireland’s role in intelligence history is not insignificant:

• Irish neutrality during WWII made Dublin a hotspot for Axis and Allied spies.

• The IRA has appeared in espionage storylines and even inspired plot elements in British spy films.

• Irish actors and writers have long contributed to British cinema, helping shape the sharp, dry wit we associate with Bond’s scripts.

Final Word: Will There Be Another Irish James Bond?

With Pierce Brosnan having left a suave and indelible mark on Bond lore, fans are hopeful a second Irishman could take up the 007 moniker. Whether it’s Paul Mescal, Aidan Turner, or a yet-unknown talent from Galway or Belfast, the Irish charm and grit seems perfectly suited to MI6’s most famous agent.

Until then, we raise a Guinness martini — stirred just a bit, for rebellion’s sake — to the men who wore the tux, aimed the Walther PPK, and delivered that iconic line:

“The name’s Bond. James Bond.”

FAQs Recap

Who has played James Bond in order?

• Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig

Which actor played James Bond the most?

• Roger Moore and Sean Connery both played Bond in 7 films.

Who is considered the best James Bond?

• Fans and critics often vote Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, but Pierce Brosnan is a fan favorite globally — and especially in Ireland.

Who almost played James Bond instead of Daniel Craig?

• Henry Cavill, Clive Owen, and even Irishman Colin Farrell were in the running.

Why did George Lazenby leave Bond?

• He chose not to renew his contract, fearing the character was outdated.

Which Bond film did Jack White and Alicia Keys sing in?

• Quantum of Solace (2008).

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