Then and Now: How the Legendary Bond Girls Have Aged Gracefully

The Bond franchise has thrilled fans for decades with its exciting espionage and charming main character. The iconic Bond Girls who starred in it have also become legends in their own right.

These women, celebrated for their beauty, talent, and charisma, have left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Among them are Ursula Andress, Shirley Eaton, Martine Beswick, Luciana Paluzzi, Lana Wood, and Barbara Bach.

This article takes a look at how these legendary actresses have aged gracefully. It also delves into how they have maintained their grace and allure through the years.

Ursula Andress

Ursula Andress was born on March 19, 1936, in Bern, Switzerland. She was raised in a strict German Protestant household as one of six children. Here, she developed a strong desire to explore beyond her native country despite her seemingly aloof demeanor.

The beautiful young woman began her career as an art model in Rome. She then appeared in minor roles in a few Italian films before moving to Hollywood in 1955. However, her professional breakthrough didn’t come until 1962.

In 1962, the relatively unknown Swiss actress was cast alongside Sean Connery. The two starred in the first film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s “James Bond” series, “Dr. No.”

Andress portrayed the bikini-clad Honey Ryder. Her role was brief and required her thick Swiss/German accent to be dubbed by a voiceover artist.

The scene Andress played showed her as a stunning shell diver emerging from the ocean clad in a white bikini and brandishing a formidable knife. This is one of the most iconic moments in “Dr. No.”

Andress’s stunning looks and captivating screen presence left a lasting impression on audiences. The actress quickly established herself as one of the most desirable women in the world.

In 2018, she looked back at this scene, saying that she had done a few movies by then but none had the impact of that scene in “Dr. No.” “It was a big moment for me. I think that simple bikini made a complete difference to my career. It made me into a success,” she recalled.

Ursula Andress also mentioned that following her iconic appearance in “Dr. No,” she received a plethora of offers and could choose from a variety of roles.

She expressed surprise at the impact of her performance, attributing her overnight success to wearing the famous bikini, which ultimately brought her financial independence and transformed her life entirely.

Following her breakout role, Andress appeared in a diverse array of films, such as “The Blue Max” with George Peppard, “She,” “Fun in Acapulco,” “4 for Texas,” “What’s New Pussycat?,” and “Casino Royale,” among numerous others.

Andress demonstrated her acting abilities, though she was often cast for her striking appearance. In the early 2000s, Andress was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures.

Despite her previously active and healthy lifestyle, this diagnosis came as a shock to her. Andress admitted to not taking the diagnosis seriously at first, often delaying her medication.

When she knew how serious the issue was, she said, “I don’t want to become a crippled old lady, bent double, who can only shuffle along. There would be no point for me.”

The actress eventually realized the importance of adhering to her treatment, which included taking calcium supplements and medications to prevent further bone loss​.

Andress hopes to maintain her health so that she can take part in hobbies she loves such as gardening, tending to her animals, and seeing her friends.

Despite her health challenges, Andress remains active professionally. She has shifted her focus towards art, a long-standing passion of hers. She is deeply involved in photography, with her work being published in several international magazines.

The 88-year-old takes great pride in her creative pursuits, enjoying the fulfillment they bring and the recognition of her artistic talents​.

Shirley Eaton

Shirley Eaton was born on January 12, 1937, in Edgware, Middlesex, England. She began her career on stage as a child, making her debut at the age of 12 in the play “Set to Partners” in 1949.

Her first on-camera work came in 1951 on television. Soon after, the young actress started appearing in films, adding decorative charm to various productions. Before joining the Bond franchise, Eaton had already established a steady film career.

She starred in movies such as “Doctor at Large,” “The Girl Hunters,” “Life is a Circus,” and “Your Past is Showing.” Her journey to fame was a gradual one, marked by consistent work and not an instant rise to stardom.

She is best known for her role as Jill Masterson in the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger.” Eaton’s character, Jill Masterson, was an accomplice to the villain Auric Goldfinger. She assisted Goldfinger in cheating at cards.

However, she switched sides after meeting James Bond, played by Sean Connery. This betrayal led to her memorable and tragic demise. In death, she is covered in gold paint and asphyxiated.

Eaton’s portrayal of the “Golden Girl” left a lasting impression on audiences, cementing her status as an iconic Bond Girl. Following her iconic role, Hollywood called. Eaton quickly secured leading female roles in melodramas, crime dramas, war films, and adventurous tales.

Today, Eaton, who lives a quiet life, referred to the Bond franchise as a magic creation, because of how much fans love it and audiences have resonated with it.

In 1969, Eaton retired from active acting to focus on motherhood. She said her career couldn’t be compared to motherhood as she would be a mother until she died. The actress has two sons Grant and Jason Rowe, who have blessed her with grandchildren.

By the time she retired, she had married her late husband, who is also the father of her kids, Colin Rowe in 1957. Rowe passed away in 1994.

A photo collage of Eaton recently captured her timeless beauty by placing side-by-side images of her from her youthful days and her older years.

Despite the fine wrinkles that naturally come with age, Eaton’s glow and elegance remained unmistakable. The comparison showcased how gracefully she has aged, maintaining her radiant allure.

Fans heartfully praised the picture shared on social media. One fan said, “Gorgeous! She’s still the Golden Girl xxx.” Another fan commented on her current appearance, “Aged well 💗💗💗.” A third fan pointed out her joy, “She looks very happy, that’s the main thing.”

These days, the stunning 87-year-old occasionally appears at film festivals that celebrate her cult status. She also enjoys painting and has recently made a return to the stage.

Martine Beswick

Martine Beswick, a striking brunette and notable actress, was born on September 26, 1941, in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Before pursuing acting, she briefly modeled and participated in beauty contests.

She reportedly won a car in a “Miss Autoville” contest, which she sold to fund her move to London for acting studies. Beswick found roles in British TV series such as “Secret Agent,” “Love Story,” and “Court Martial.”

Her breakthrough came when director Terence Young cast her in two James Bond films. First, as Zora in “From Russia with Love” in 1963 and then as Paula in “Thunderball” in 1965. Beswick said playing a Bond girl was one of the happiest times in her life.

After playing a Bond girl, the actress starred in various other films, including “The Kiss of Death,” “Seizure,” “Evil Spirits,” and “Life on the Edge.” When she completed shooting “Night of the Scarecrow” in 1995, Beswick retired from acting.

However, her impact and beauty are still remembered. Recently, throwback photos of Beswick, who portrayed ‘Sister Hyde’ in the acclaimed film “Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde,” were shared online.

Fans were quick to praise her beauty. One fan said, “Absolutely stunning lady!!” while another admirer concurred, “She was stunning.”

After her 1995 retirement, Beswick made a comeback. She has since participated in film documentaries, sharing her experiences and commentary.

She owns a removal business in London and is semiretired, making guest appearances at James Bond conventions. Recently, the 82-year-old returned to star in “House of the Gorgon” in 2019 alongside fellow Hammer actors Caroline Munro and Veronica Carlson.

Luciana Paluzzi

Luciana Paluzzi, fluent in both Italian and English, was born on June 10, 1937. Her first film appearance was a minor, uncredited role in “Three Coins in the Fountain” in 1954. In 1964, she appeared in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

The Italian actress is best known for her portrayal of Spectre assassin Fiona Volpe in the fourth James Bond film, “Thunderball”. Initially, Paluzzi auditioned for the role of the lead Bond girl, Dominetta “Domino” Petacchi.

However, the producers chose Claudine Auger for the part. They altered the character from Italian to French and renamed her Dominique Derval.

Paluzzi instead took on the role of Fiona Volpe. Volpe was the striking, voluminous-haired antagonist who met her end while dancing with 007. This role was arguably her most memorable, even though it was a secondary character.

In 2020, Paluzzi admitted she might have been attracted to Connery, the iconic Scotland’s 007, if not for his wedding ring. She praised Connery as one of the most well-prepared and professional actors she had ever collaborated with. “But at the same time Sean was easy and fun as well,” she added.

Recalling their first meeting, she thought Connery was rugged, intelligent, and playful, with an unyielding spirit. The actress noted, “I wasn’t attracted to him… but only because he was married!”

For Paluzzi, a married man was off-limits and treated like a girlfriend. If Connery hadn’t been married, she might have pursued him.

Following her Bond role, Paluzzi, like many Bond actresses, found herself typecast. She eventually left acting after marrying her second husband, Michael Jay Solomon.

Now, she is a successful businesswoman in Los Angeles, USA, and has a grown son, Christian Halsey Solomon. The 87-year-old shares Solomon with actor Brett Halsey, her first husband.

Lana Wood

Lana Wood, born Svetlana Gurdin on March 1, 1946, in Santa Monica, California, comes from a family of Ukrainian and Russian descent. Her parents fled Russia following the Communist takeover and met and married in San Francisco.

Wood’s early foray into the film industry began as a baby in her sister Natalie Wood’s film “Driftwood” in 1947, though her scene was cut. Her first credited role came in the classic John Ford film “The Searchers” in 1956. In this film, she played the younger version of her sister Natalie’s character.

Eager to establish her own career, Wood pursued television roles. She appeared in popular shows such as “The Girls on the Beach,” “Playhouse 90,” and “The Fugitive.”

In 1965, she secured a contract with Twentieth Century Fox and starred in the television series “The Long, Hot Summer.” She also appeared in films like “West Side Story,” “Bonanza,” and “The Felony Squad.”

In April 1971, seeking greater visibility, Wood posed for Playboy, which caught the attention of producer Albert R. Broccoli. This led to her iconic role as Plenty O’Toole in the James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever,” opposite Sean Connery.

Wood was to originally play Tiffany Case but was given the smaller role of O’Toole. Years later, she said, “Truthfully, I didn’t care. I was just thrilled to be part of the film. I played her sweet and innocent, a regular girl. And I loved it.”

After a hiatus, Wood returned to the screen in the new millennium, featuring in films such as “Wild Faith,” “The Marshal,” and “Killing Poe.” She then walked away from acting due to its busy nature. The actress got a job she loved, behind the cameras, as director of development.

Despite her success over the years, Wood encountered financial challenges. She opened up in 2022 about surviving homelessness. In 2017, Wood was living in a motel along with her late daughter, Evan Taylor Maldonado, her son-in-law, three grandchildren, and two dogs.

Financial difficulties due to mounting medical bills had made it impossible for them to afford the rent for their home in California. This led to their displacement and homelessness.

In response to their situation, a friend launched a GoFundMe campaign. This campaign remarkably raised nearly $40,000, far surpassing the initial goal of $10,000. Sadly, Maldonado died of heart failure at 42.

Lana Wood was thankful for the fans’ support amidst the loss. “It meant the world to me, it really did. I just never imagined that people would help. I’m extremely grateful,” said Wood.

Now, Wood is a dedicated animal lover and grandmother of three. She takes care of her grandkids who live with her in her small house with their cats and dogs. The 78-year-old also occasionally attends celebrity conventions and continues to work in films, maintaining her timeless allure.

Barbara Bach

Barbara Bach, 76, was born on August 28, 1946, in Queens, New York City. She met her first husband, Augusto Gregorini, in New York in 1966 while she was modeling. Gregorini was visiting from Italy.

Bach moved to Italy to be with Gregorini, and they married in 1968. The pair have two children, Francesca and Gianni Gregorini.

Bach’s acting career began in Italy, playing Nausicaa in “Odissea” in 1968. In 1971, she starred alongside Claudine Auger and Barbara Bouchet in “Black Belly of the Tarantula”.

She later had minor roles in other Italian films. In 1977, she gained fame as Russian secret agent Anya Amasova in the Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” She went on to appear in “Force 10 from Navarone” in 1978.

Bach and Gregorini separated in 1975, and she moved to Los Angeles in 1978. The two share custody of their children. The actress met her second husband Ringo Starr of The Beatles on the set of “Caveman” in 1981. The lovebirds got married on April 27, 1981.

Later, Ringo Starr revealed that it wasn’t until the end of filming “Caveman” that they said the first proper hi to each other. “Five days later—it’s in me book, it was a Sunday afternoon—I was in love with the woman,” he shared.

After a few years of marriage, Starr and Bach’s bond deepened after undergoing drug and alcohol treatment together. The two got into the Sierra Tucson Rehabilitation Clinic in October 1988.

This decision revitalized Starr’s music career, which had been neglected for years. He later reflected those substances had taken precedence over everything else during the ‘70s and ‘80s.

However, rehab in 1988 led to forming the first All-Starr Band in 1989, helping him get back on track. Since overcoming their addictions, the couple has embraced vegetarianism. They have also established several organizations to support those facing similar struggles.

Therefore, each of the Bond girls brought something unique to the James Bond series. They created iconic roles that have captivated audiences for decades. Their stories of professional success, personal challenges, and resilience continue to inspire fans beyond their Bond roles.