Few movie franchises are as iconic as the James Bond series. A Bond girl is not merely a love interest, but a crucial part of the Bond story. From Ursula Andress to Eva Green to Léa Seydoux, these are the women who shaped and defined the James Bond franchise.
The Sean Connery Era
Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Dr. No (1962)
Clad in a stunning white bikini, Honey Ryder’s emergence from the sea in Dr. No is an indelible image etched into the collective memory of James Bond fans. Portrayed by Ursula Andress, Honey Ryder is not just a beautiful shell collector but a self-reliant woman, unafraid to wield a knife when threatened. A seminal figure in the Bond franchise, Ryder sets the bar for all future Bond Girls.
Daniela Bianchi as Tatiana Romanova in From Russia with Love (1963)
A loyal member of the Russian secret service, Tatiana Romanova, portrayed by Daniela Bianchi, is a seductive spy caught between her duty and her blossoming feelings for Bond. With her beguiling charm and quick wit, Romanova embodies the espionage and double-dealing so characteristic of Bond films.
Eunice Gayson, was an English actress best known for playing Sylvia Trench, James Bond‘s love interest in the first two Bond films (Dr. No and From Russia with Love) and is thus considered to have been the first “Bond girl“.
Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964)
In the vaults of Bond film lore, few characters have left as enduring a mark as Pussy Galore. Honor Blackman’s magnetic portrayal of the high-flying circus leader turned villain’s aide offers a glimpse of Bond’s persuasive charm and adds a distinct layer of complexity to Goldfinger. Her character is not merely a love interest but an accomplice with her own motivations. Blackman died peacefully at home, in 2020, at age 94.
Shirley Eaton as Jill Masterson in Goldfinger (1964)
Though her role is brief, Jill Masterson, played by Shirley Eaton, offers one of the most memorable scenes in the entire Bond franchise. After being painted gold, her demise is a chilling testament to Goldfinger‘s ruthlessness and sets a thrilling tone for the movie.
Claudine Auger as Domino Derval in Thunderball (1965)
Claudine Auger’s Domino Derval is a captivating vision of strength and vulnerability. As the abused mistress of the villain, Derval turns against him with Bond’s help. With her combination of resilience and elegance, Domino Derval exemplifies the courage found in many Bond Girls. Auger died in Paris, France on December 18, 2019, after a lengthy illness.
Fiona Volpe is another character in Thunderball, played by actress Luciana Paluzzi. Paluzzi originally auditioned for the role of Domino Vitali in the film, but was given the role of Volpe
Karin Dor as Helga Brandt in You Only Live Twice (1967)
Karin Dor’s Helga Brandt is a fascinating mix of sex appeal, danger and charm. As a member of the SPECTRE organization, Brandt’s attempt to assassinate Bond, followed by her unexpected demise, offers a stark reminder of the high-stakes world in which Bond operates. Dor passed away in 2017 from a freak accident in 2016, in which she rapidly declined and never recovered.
George Lazenby Era (Only One)
Diana Rigg as Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
Tracy di Vicenzo, portrayed by Diana Rigg, is a tragic figure who leaves a lasting impact on Bond. As Bond’s wife, Tracy’s unexpected death at the end of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service adds a new dimension to Bond’s character and influences his future relationships. Rigg famously went on to play Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones.
Sean Connery Returns
Jill St. John as Tiffany Case in Diamonds are Forever (1971)
Jill St. John’s Tiffany Case brings a sense of playfulness and flirtation to the Bond series. As a diamond smuggler turned ally, her character adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to Diamonds are Forever.
The Roger Moore Era
Jane Seymour as Solitaire in Live and Let Die (1973)
Jane Seymour’s Solitaire, a psychic enslaved by a nefarious villain in Live and Let Die, offers a unique twist to the typical Bond Girl. Her innocence and vulnerability, coupled with her unique abilities, make her a compelling character in the franchise. Seymour is still acting to this day, having recently appeared in multiple projects.
Maud Adams as Andrea Anders in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Andrea Anders, portrayed by Maud Adams, is a key figure in The Man with the Golden Gun. With her sophisticated style and entanglement with the villain, Anders’ tragic death is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences in the world of James Bond.
Britt Ekland aslo appears in the Man with the Golden Gun as main Bond girl, Mary Goodnight. Her performance received mixed reviews but furthered her status as a sex symbol.
Barbara Bach as Anya Amasova in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Barbara Bach’s Anya Amasova is a formidable agent who can match Bond in every respect. Known as Agent XXX, her character adds an extra layer of intrigue and rivalry to The Spy Who Loved Me. Amasova’s strength and independence set a new standard for future Bond Girls. Bach has been married to Ringo Starr since 1981.
Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead in Moonraker (1979)
Lois Chiles’ Holly Goodhead is more than just an alluring Bond Girl. As a skilled CIA agent and an astronaut, she plays a crucial role in thwarting the villain’s plan in Moonraker. Goodhead’s character adds depth to the Bond series and challenges the stereotype of Bond Girls being mere damsels in distress. Chiles had a long relationship with Don Henley of the Eagles, but they never married.
Carole Bouquet as Melina Havelock in For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Carole Bouquet’s Melina Havelock is driven by a personal vendetta against the people who murdered her parents. With her crossbow and steely determination, Havelock contributes significantly to the action and suspense in For Your Eyes Only. She owns vineyards in Pantelleria, Italy, and speaks Italian fluently.
Maud Adams as Octopussy in Octopussy (1983)
Maud Adams returns to the Bond series as the titular character in Octopussy. A savvy businesswoman and a leader of a powerful female group, Octopussy is a strong, complex character who helps Bond thwart a nuclear disaster.
Tanya Roberts as Stacey Sutton in A View to a Kill (1985)
Tanya Roberts’ Stacey Sutton is a strong, determined geologist who teams up with Bond to prevent a global disaster in A View to a Kill. Her knowledge and determination make her a valuable ally to Bond and a memorable character in the series. Roberts sadly died of sepsis, due to a urinary tract infection, on January 4, 2021.
May Day is another character in A View to a Kill, played by actress Grace Jones. Jones received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 1985 Saturn Awards for her performance.
The Timothy Dalton Era
Maryam d’Abo as Kara Milovy in The Living Daylights (1987)
As the love interest of Bond in The Living Daylights, Kara Milovy, portrayed by Maryam d’Abo, starts as an innocent pawn in a larger game but proves herself to be resourceful and brave. Milovy’s character adds a unique touch of romance and suspense to the film. She famously hosted Bond Girls Are Forever (2002) on the American Movie Classics network, showcasing the allure of “Bond Girls”. Her cousin is Olivia d’Abo, who played Karen Arnold, sister of Kevin Arnold, on the Wonder Years.
Carey Lowell as Pam Bouvier in Licence to Kill (1989)
Carey Lowell’s Pam Bouvier, an ex-CIA pilot, plays a pivotal role in Licence to Kill. With her resourcefulness and gutsy attitude, Bouvier proves to be a resilient ally in Bond’s revenge mission. She breaks away from the stereotype of Bond Girls being merely sidekicks, emerging as a strong, independent woman. She was married to Richard Gere until they divorced in 2013.
The Pierce Brosnan Era
Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye (1995)
Portrayed by Famke Janssen, Xenia Onatopp is a femme fatale with an unhealthy appetite for violence. As an operative for the Janus Syndicate, Onatopp’s violent encounters with Bond in GoldenEye leave a lasting impression. Her viciousness and sultry demeanor make her one of the most memorable Bond Girls. Janssen later went on to play the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men Franchise.
Izabella Scorupco as Natalya Simonova in GoldenEye (1995)
Izabella Scorupco’s Natalya Simonova brings brains to the Bond Girl role. As a computer programmer, Simonova aids Bond in his mission to stop a nuclear satellite. Her character proves that a Bond Girl can be more than just a pretty face. She was later offered the supporting role of Lynn Bracken in L.A. Confidential (1997), but turned it down. The role went to Kim Basinger and turned out to be an Oscar-winning performance for her.
Teri Hatcher as Paris Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Teri Hatcher’s Paris Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies is a complex character with a history with Bond. As the wife of the film’s villain, her alliance with Bond and her eventual death add an emotional weight to the film. Hatcher’s portrayal of Carver brings a sense of nostalgia and sorrow to the Bond franchise. She would later play the character, Susan Mayer, in the hit show, Desperate Housewives.
Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Michelle Yeoh’s Wai Lin is a Chinese spy who matches Bond’s skill and wit in Tomorrow Never Dies. With her martial arts prowess, Yeoh’s Wai Lin showcases an action-packed side of Bond Girls. Her character establishes a perfect blend of grace, intelligence, and athleticism. Yeoh just won her first Oscar, making history in the process, as the first Asian woman to win for lead actress, for the hit film, Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022).
Denise Richards as Christmas Jones in The World is Not Enough (1999)
While some may argue that Denise Richards‘ portrayal of nuclear physicist Christmas Jones in The World is Not Enough is far from the most believable, it is undeniably memorable. Her character adds an element of glamour to the otherwise serious realm of nuclear science and contributes to the film’s overall intrigue. Richards famously went on to marry Charlie Sheen, but filed for divorce in 2006, alleging he was unstable, violent and addicted to gambling and prostitutes.
Sophie Marceau as Elektra King in The World is Not Enough (1999)
Sophie Marceau’s Elektra King breaks the mold as a Bond Girl who turns out to be the villain. Her portrayal of the vengeful oil heiress adds an extra layer of unpredictability and suspense to The World is Not Enough. King’s tragic past and her eventual descent into villainy add a touch of drama to the movie.
Rosamund Pike as Miranda Frost in Die Another Day (2002)
As an undercover MI6 agent turned double agent, Rosamund Pike’s Miranda Frost is a chillingly effective antagonist in Die Another Day. Pike’s performance as Frost, a cold and calculating villainess, brings a refreshing twist to the archetype of Bond Girls, proving that they can be formidable foes as well. She returned to action films with the female lead opposite Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher (2012).
Halle Berry as Jinx Johnson in Die Another Day (2002)
Halle Berry’s portrayal of NSA agent Jinx Johnson in Die Another Day pays homage to Ursula Andress’s iconic emergence from the sea. Jinx, a strong and capable spy in her own right, joins forces with Bond to stop a North Korean villain. Berry’s portrayal of Jinx adds a spark of independence and strength to the Bond Girl repertoire. Berry later won an Oscar for her pivotal role in the film, Monster’s Ball (2001).
The Daniel Craig Era
Eva Green as Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (2006)
Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd is a Treasury agent with a profound influence on Bond. Her tragic romance with Bond in Casino Royale reveals a more vulnerable side of the spy. Green’s portrayal of Lynd adds a deep emotional layer to the film, and her character’s heartbreaking betrayal and death leave a lasting impact on Bond. Empire Magazine chose her character, Vesper Lynd as the 9th sexiest female character in cinema history.
Olga Kurylenko as Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace (2008)
Olga Kurylenko’s Camille Montes in Quantum of Solace is driven by her desire for revenge against the man who ruined her life. As a Bolivian Secret Service agent, Montes’s quest for vengeance aligns with Bond’s mission, making her an integral part of the storyline. Kurylenko is a Ukrainian-born actress and model.
Bérénice Marlohe as Sévérine in Skyfall (2012)
Bérénice Marlohe’s Sévérine in Skyfall is a tragic figure trapped in the service of the film’s villain. Despite her brief appearance, Sévérine’s character and her untimely death add to the grim undertone of the movie.
Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny in Skyfall (2012) to No Time to Die (2021)
Naomie Harris’s Eve Moneypenny is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Bond character. Initially introduced as a field agent, Miss Moneypenny eventually takes on the role of M’s (Judi Dench) secretary, forming a unique professional relationship with Bond. Harris’s portrayal of Moneypenny adds a touch of camaraderie and mutual respect to the Bond films.
Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann in Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021)
Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann is a complex character with her own connections to Bond’s world. As the daughter of a former villain, Swann’s relationship with Bond in Spectre and No Time to Die unravels a deeper emotional side of the otherwise stoic spy. She was the last lover of Daniel Craigs’ Bond, and the mother of his child, as it’s implied in that last Bond film, No Time to Die.
Italian actress and fashion model, Monica Bellucci also appears in Spectre. She played Lucia Sciarra.
The epitome of a Bond Girl is a woman who is much more than a sex symbol – she is a force in her own right, as compelling as the legendary spy himself. They are proof that a Bond film is not just about the man with the license to kill, but also about the powerful women who made the ride unforgettable.