George Lazenby Faces Early Dementia With Strength and Support

George Lazenby, the Australian actor who once brought the iconic James Bond to life, is now facing a very different kind of battle: early-stage dementia. At 85, Lazenby’s life has shifted far from the world of espionage and glamour, but his resilience and charm remain very much intact, according to his former wife and longtime friend, Pam Shriver.

Lazenby is best remembered for stepping into the shoes of the world’s most famous secret agent in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. It was his only appearance as Bond, making his time in the franchise the shortest, yet still memorable. Off-screen, his life has taken many turns, but one constant has been the enduring bond he shares with Shriver.

Shriver, a former United States tennis star, met Lazenby in 2000 during Wimbledon. Although their marriage ended in 2008, they remained close over the years, united by the three children they shared, Kait, Sam, and George, and by a continued sense of care and compassion.

Recently, Shriver opened up about Lazenby’s condition in an interview with The Telegraph, confirming that he is now living with early-stage dementia. “He has dementia, but he is still very much himself,” she said. “A softer version of himself, perhaps, and this is the key.”

Shriver now plays a steady role in his day-to-day life, even though they are no longer married. She described a terrifying moment earlier this year when wildfires in Los Angeles reached the care home where Lazenby had been staying. Though she was stuck in traffic trying to reach him, his daily caregiver managed to evacuate him just in time. That facility was ultimately destroyed in the fire.

“He was lucky,” Shriver said. “The caregiver who takes him for walks every day was able to get him out right before the Palisades fire reached the doorstep.”

Since the fire, Lazenby has moved to an assisted living facility in Santa Monica. Shriver visits him regularly, and their walks have become a comforting routine. They talk about family, share stories, and navigate the little daily challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one. She revealed that although his short-term memory is fading, he still lights up when recounting stories from his younger days.

“He often asks if he’ll ever have a car again,” Shriver shared, noting his lifelong love for driving. “He’ll look at me with that spark of wilfulness and say, ‘I can still drive better than anybody.’”

Though they had planned, Shriver holds power of attorney for him, and this new chapter has brought them closer in a different way. She views it as a time for “reconciliation and renewal.”

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, remains the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom. It affects one in three people born today and can cause memory loss, disorientation, and significant changes in behavior. While there’s currently no cure, early diagnosis allows individuals and their families to access vital medical and emotional support.

Despite the challenges, Lazenby’s spirit remains unbroken. “He always had a great life force,” Shriver said, “and it still burns brightly.”

As the world continues to remember George Lazenby for his brief but unforgettable turn as James Bond, his story today reminds us of something even more powerful: love, memory, and the quiet strength it takes to face aging with dignity.