15 Bond Girls Behind the Scenes — Throughout the Decades of James Bond Films

      Bond girls are as integral to the 007 films as James Bond himself. Here are 18 Bond girls that fans of the franchise will remember for their notable contributions over the years.

      It’s clear that the term “Bond girls” is outdated, but it has persisted. By watching all the Bond films starting with 1962’s Dr. No, one can observe the evolving societal attitudes toward women in both our world and Bond’s.

      Whether pursuing their own agendas, serving their countries, or sometimes aligning with James Bond, these women add intrigue, style, and significance to the tales of glamour and espionage.

      Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Dr. No (1962)

      United Artists

      Although she was preceded by Sylvia Trench and Miss Taro, Honey Ryder, a Jamaican shell diver portrayed by a dubbed Ursula Andress, is largely regarded as the original Bond girl.

      This is likely due to her iconic entrance in Dr. No, where she emerges from the sea in a distinctive white bikini and belt, adorned with shells.

      Her chemistry with Bond is a key element of Dr. No, the film that initiated one of the most successful and enduring film franchises in history.

      Honor Blackman as P—- Galore in Goldfinger (1963)

      United Artists

      Honor Blackman, rehearsing a legendary fight scene with Sean Connery, holds perhaps the most recognizable name among Bond girls—though we hesitate to mention it here due to some editorial sensibilities.

      Regardless, Blackman, who was also famed for the TV series The Avengers, is one of the most iconic Bond girls ever—a woman who could easily stand her ground against Bond or anyone else.

      Shirley Eaton as Jill Masterson in Goldfinger (1964)

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      Shirley Eaton portrayed Jill Masterson, an assistant to the villain who lends his name to the film. Bond’s night with her leads to a gruesome yet colorful act of revenge, culminating in her death by "skin suffocation" after being painted gold.

      This striking image was memorable enough to earn Eaton the cover of LIFE magazine’s November 6, 1964 issue.

      For reference, the application of that gold paint took around 90 minutes, handled by makeup artist Paul Rabiger, who also contributed to other Bond films like Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and From Russia With Love.

      Claudine Auger as Domino in Thunderball (1965)

      United Artists

      Claudine Auger, crowned Miss France Monde 1958 and a runner-up in the same year’s Miss World competition, played Dominique “Domino” Derval in Thunderball, the fourth film in the Bond series.

      The chemistry between her and Sean Connery, both on and off-screen, is evident.

      Auger later featured in the 1966 World War II drama Triple Cross and appeared in the 1968 Italian comedy Anyone Can Play alongside fellow Bond girl Ursula Andress.

      Diana Rigg as Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

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      Diana Rigg is arguably the first Bond girl to eclipse her co-star in fame, having already starred in The Avengers before her role as George Lazenby’s partner in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Lazenby portrayed Bond just once before Connery returned for Diamonds Are Forever.

      Rigg notably is the only woman to wed Bond—tragically, she is murdered mere moments after the ceremony, making On Her Majesty’s Secret Service one of the most heartbreaking entries in the franchise.

      Nonetheless, Rigg went on to have a successful career with roles such as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones and a significant appearance in Edgar Wright’s 2021 film Last Night in Soho, which was concluded shortly before her passing.

      Gloria Hendry as Rosie Carver in Live and Let Die (1972)

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      Live and Let Die, the first film featuring Roger Moore as Bond, was released during the height of the Blaxploitation era, incorporating nods to Black culture, such as casting Gloria Hendry as Rosie Carver, the first Black woman romantically involved with 007 on screen.

      While some might argue that Jane Seymour’s Solitaire is the main Bond girl in this film, we don’t have a photo of Seymour posing in a pinball machine amidst the evocative 1970s aesthetic.

      Maud Adams as Andrea Anders and Britt Ekland as Mary Goodnight in The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)

      United Artists

      Wait, we might have found an even more quintessentially 1970s photo, featuring not one but two Bond girls. Maud Adams (left) played Andrea Anders in The Man With the Golden Gun and later reprised her role in a 1983 Bond film that we cannot mention for previously stated reasons.

      On the right, Britt Ekland portrayed Mary Goodnight, who has been criticized for a bit of clumsiness compared to other Bond girls yet praised