Who Was the Third Person to Play James Bond?

When it comes to the question of who was the third actor to play James Bond, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. The term 'third person' can be interpreted in several ways, leading to a rich and nuanced discussion among James Bond enthusiasts and trivia fans.

Roger Moore: The Official Third Actor

The third actor in the Eon Productions film franchise, produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, to take on the iconic role of James Bond was Roger Moore. This came after the renowned performances of Sean Connery and George Lazenby. Roger Moore's career spanned an impressive seven films between 1973 and 1985.

David Niven: The Film "Casino Royale" and its Quirks

Interestingly, the third actor to play James Bond in an actual film was David Niven, who took on the role in the 1967 film "Casino Royale"." However, it's important to note that this film was not part of the official Eon Productions series but a parody following the assessment of the original "Casino Royale" live episode from 1954, starring Barry Nelson. Niven played a retired 007 character, a slight departure from the usual portrayal.

Woody Allen: The Curious Twist

Adding another layer of complexity to the question, Woody Allen, the renowned filmmaker and actor, played the same-name nephew of Niven's character in "Casino Royale" 1967. Although technically playing the same name, Allen's character was given the alias "Jimmy Bond" and worked under the alias "Dr. Noah" for Smersh. This unique twist showcases the trivia and depth of the James Bond universe.

Understanding the Terminology

Understanding the definition of 'third person' is crucial to answering this question accurately. There are two primary interpretations:

Off-screen Actors: If one counts all actors who ever portrayed James Bond, then the third performer is Barry Nelson, from the 1954 live television special. On-screen Actors: If one focuses on actors who appeared on screen in the Eon Productions films, then Roger Moore is the third person to take on the role.

Additionally, if one includes "Casino Royale" 1967 as a part of the canon, then both Niven and Allen contribute to the complexity of this question. This is where the term 'trick question' comes into play, as it often confuses or challenges even seasoned fans.

Additional Insights

It's worth noting that determining the role of James Bond is not exclusive to actors who share the name "James Bond." In the film "Casino Royale 1967" (the parody), various characters used the alias "James Bond" including Ursula Andress and Peter Sellers. These characters, while not using the name "James Bond," still performed duties akin to the role, introducing further ambiguity to the question.

Conclusion

The question of who was the third actor to play James Bond reveals the complexity and depth of the James Bond franchise. It also highlights how definitions and interpretations can greatly impact the answer to this intriguing trivia question. Whether you count Nelson, Niven, Allen, or any of the aliases, the journey to find the correct answer offers endless entertainment and discussion among Bond fans.