Few film franchises have etched themselves into the history books like that of agent 007. We all have our own favorite concerning actors who have taken on the role of the adventurous, thrilling, and ever-romantic James Bond.
Over the years, the British charmer has crossed paths with a fair few women on-screen. One woman who found herself at Bond’s side over the years is Swedish star Maud Adams, who turns 79 today.
There is no shortage of iconic Bond women, but I think we can all agree that Octopussy gave us one of the most memorable. Portrayed by Swedish beauty Maud Adams, the character’s place in the history books was cemented when she became one of the few to have actually appeared in more than one Bond film.
Maud graced the screens in both The Man with the Golden Gun and Octopussy, where, in the latter film, she starred alongside another Swedish sensation – the gorgeous Brit Ekland However, after these cinematic successes, we’ve seen less and less of Maud in the limelight.
So, how is the Swedish Bond beauty faring after all these years?
I recommend you take a deep breath before you see this legendary actress today…
Whether we’re fans of the British spy series featuring James Bond or not, we all have a connection to the iconic franchise. Many associate the role with Sean Connery, who became the first actor to portray the character back in the 1960s.
Since then, a host of well-known hunks have taken on the mantle of 007.
Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Daniel Craig have all held the role of James Bond at one time or another. Who exactly is the quintessential Bond varies, of course, from generation to generation.
Depending on which actor portrayed the role during one’s formative years, that particular star is often the preferred choice over the others. For me, it was Roger Moore who left an indelible mark.
In seven films between 1973 and 1985, the British star captivated audiences worldwide. Many men aspired to be as debonair, while countless women longed for even a few minutes in his company.
One person who actually got to spend quite a bit of time with the James Bond star was Swedish actress Maud Adams, now 79.
”He was always very supportive, a real team player and kept everybody in good spirits during the filming, ” Maud said of Roger Moore.
The stunning beauty was discovered in 1963 while shopping in her hometown in the northern part of Sweden. A photographer approached her and asked to take her picture. He then submitted it to the Miss Sweden contest, launching her modeling career from there.
Maud soon relocated to Paris, and in 1967, she arrived in New York City and started working with Eileen Ford – one of the most famous agency executives. Maud was just 22 when she left her life and family behind in Sweden.
While Maud was doing everything to break through as a model, she also pursued her other great passion: acting. Her Hollywood journey began when she was invited to appear in the 1970 film The Boys in the Band, portraying a photo-shoot model in the opening credits. She also made guest appearances in popular American TV series like Hawaii Five-O and Kojak.
Hollywood breakthrough
But it was in The Man with the Golden Gun, aired in 1974, that Maud would mark her big breakthrough. She was catapulted to international fame as the doomed mistress of the villain Christopher Lee. Working alongside Lee, recognized for his streak of award-winning and critically acclaimed roles, was an unforgettable experience for the young and aspiring actress.
