George Lazenby, best known for his one-time portrayal of James Bond, was recently photographed in Los Angeles appearing noticeably frail and using a walker. The 85-year-old actor, who starred in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was seen accompanied by a nursing aide, though he still offered a warm smile to onlookers. The sighting follows public confirmation from his ex-wife, former Wimbledon tennis champion Pam Shriver, that Lazenby is battling dementia, a diagnosis that has deeply impacted both his health and their relationship.

Pam Shriver, 63, revealed their renewed bond in a heartfelt essay for The Telegraph, where she opened up about their journey from a painful divorce to reconciliation. The couple, who share three children, had a difficult breakup in 2011, and didn’t speak for years afterward. However, in January 2025, when George nearly became a victim of the Los Angeles wildfires, Pam was struck by a wave of compassion and concern. That life-threatening moment reignited her desire to be present in his life as he navigates what she calls the “last phase” of his life.

Now, Pam sees George regularly and dedicates time each day to be with him when she’s in town. Although dementia has taken a toll on his short-term memory, she says Lazenby remains very much himself—just a gentler version. Their time together is filled with walks and conversations about family and memories. George often revisits tales from his younger days, such as arriving in London with only a few dollars or courting a girl whose father didn’t approve of him, offering glimpses into the spirited man he once was—and still is, in many ways.

Lazenby’s brief stint as James Bond left a lasting mark on the franchise’s history. Despite having no prior acting experience, he landed the role by sheer determination, showing up in a Savile Row suit and Rolex to impress producers. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service received strong reviews and has since gained a cult following. His performance, while initially met with mixed reactions, is now recognized as a bold and memorable interpretation of the character.

Despite the film’s success, Lazenby famously turned down a seven-film Bond contract, walking away from a potential £1 million deal. Pam reflected on how he enjoyed the chaotic, party-filled lifestyle during the nine-month shoot but struggled with the pressure of fame. Growing a beard for the film’s premiere as a form of rebellion, he rejected further Bond roles, later admitting he felt overshadowed by Connery and uncertain of his place in the spotlight. “I did the best I could,” he said in The Many Lives of James Bond, showing both humility and the introspection of a man now facing the twilight of life.