Former James Bond star George Lazenby quits acting in shock retirement announcement: 'Getting old is no fun'

Posting a photo of himself to his X account, he penned in view of his 13,000 followers: "This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work.

"Therefore, I won’t be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. It’s been a fun ride but getting older is no fun."

Continuing, he added: "I would like to thank my manager and friend, Anders Frejdh, for helping me since 2013 - the best representative I ever had.

"I can now concentrate on spending more time with my family. My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the...years. It has meant a lot to me. George xx."

(1/3) This hasn’t been an easy decision but it’s time to announce my retirement from work. Therefore, I won’t be doing any more acting or making public appearances, doing any more interviews or signing any more autographs as of today. It’s been a fun ride but getting older is... pic.twitter.com/OpapxbH22e

— George Lazenby (@lazenbyofficial) July 24, 2024

Lazenby was the second Bond actor and his one film has been celebrated as a classic in the franchise.

While his tenure as the iconic character was the shortest of all the actors in the series, the gig remains his best-known work and the film remains beloved among fans.

Responding to his shock announcement, many social media followers quickly wished him the best in the next stage of his life.

One X user commented: "Thank you for everything George! Enjoy your well earned retirement."

"I wish you a restful, enjoyable retirement. You’ve more than earned it," another shared.

A fourth shared: "Enjoy retirement my friend. After all of these years it is well deserved."

"Hang in there, G! I admire your tenacity, dignity, and also your realism. There are realistic hopes for your next years to be truly wonderful!" another penned.

"Legend…. Enjoy your well earned retirement!! Happy to have scored one of the remaining signed 8x10’s.Godspeed, Mr. Bond.." someone else remarked.

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"Thank you for everything!" another added, with someone else writing: "Thank you sir. You always were and will always be my favorite Bond." (sic)

Meanwhile, fans are still wondering who will filling the the big shoes as the next Bond.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has a big name on the rumour mill recently, but new data suggests he's unlikely to end up as the next 007.

The Kick-Ass star attracted odds of 4/5 recently but it's now been revealed that these have drifted way out to 2/1.