20 Behind-the-Scenes Photos of Bond Girls — Just for You

      Bond girls are just as integral to the 007 films as James Bond himself.

      Whether they are pursuing their own interests, those of their home countries, or at times even James Bond, these women introduce an element of intrigue, elegance, and tension to the stories of luxury and espionage. (While we acknowledge that the term "Bond girls" might be outdated, we believe it has become a recognized part of the film lexicon — it even has its own entry on Wikipedia.)

      Is the experience of being a Bond girl as enjoyable as it appears on screen? These photos would indicate that it is indeed.

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

      Credit: United Artists

      Though Sylvia Trench and Miss Taro appeared before her, Honey Ryder, a Jamaican shell diver portrayed by a dubbed Ursula Andress, is often regarded as the first Bond girl.

      Her iconic entrance in Dr. No, where she emerges from the sea in a white bikini and belt carrying shells, may be a contributing factor.

      The chemistry she shares with Bond drives the narrative in Dr. No, which launched one of the most successful and enduring film franchises in history.

      Daniela Bianchi as Tatiana Romanova in From Russia With Love (1963)

      Credit: United Artists

      In the first Bond sequel, Bond journeys to Turkey to assist Tatiana Romanova, played by Daniela Bianchi, who works as a Soviet consulate clerk alongside Connery.

      True to the spirit of a Bond film, romantic tension ignites. Yet, Tatiana is initially a pawn in SPECTRE's scheme for revenge against Bond due to events from Dr. No. However, she quickly evolves into a central character in the story.

      Before becoming one of the most iconic Bond girls, she was Miss Universo Italia and the first runner-up in the 1960 Miss Universe pageant. In 1967, she also appeared alongside Connery's brother, Neil Connery, in the Bond parody Operation Kid Brother.

      Honor Blackman as Ms. Galore in Goldfinger (1963)

      Credit: United Artists

      Honor Blackman, known for her role in the TV series The Avengers, perhaps boasts the most notorious name of any Bond girl — and I'm not sure we can even print it here due to the sensitivities of some of our syndication partners.

      To put it plainly, Blackman is one of the most memorable Bond girls — a woman capable of standing her ground against Bond, or anyone else for that matter.

      Shirley Eaton as Jill Masterson in Goldfinger (1964)

      Credit: United Artists

      Shirley Eaton portrayed Jill Masterson, the assistant to the film’s antagonist who gives Goldfinger its title. Following a night spent with Bond, she becomes the victim of a cruel, yet vivid vengeance: being killed by “skin suffocation” from being painted gold.

      This chilling image was so memorable that it landed Eaton on the cover of LIFE magazine on November 6, 1964.

      For those curious, applying the gold paint took approximately 90 minutes, handled by makeup artist Paul Rabiger, who also contributed to Bond films Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and From Russia With Love.

      Claudine Auger as Domino in Thunderball (1965)

      Credit: United Artists

      Claudine Auger was crowned Miss France Monde 1958 and was the first runner-up in the 1958 Miss World competition before taking on the role of Dominique “Domino” Derval in Thunderball, the fourth Bond installment.

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

      Later, she starred in the 1966 World War II film Triple Cross and appeared with fellow Bond girl Ursula Andress in the Italian comedy Anyone Can Play in 1968.

      Luciana Paluzzi as Fiona Volpe in Thunderball (1965)

      Credit: United Artists

      Luciana Paluzzi, portraying SPECTRE agent Fiona Volpe, helped establish the archetype for the Bond femme fatale. She ranks among the most formidable early Bond girls.

      Her subsequent roles included playing a Southern belle in the 1974 film The Klansman — with her voice dubbed — under the direction of Thunderball’s Terence Young.

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

      Credit: United Artists

      Diana Rigg is the first Bond girl who can be considered more famous than her onscreen partner. Already the lead in The Avengers when cast as Bond’s love interest in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Rigg's character is notable as Bond’s only wife. Tragically, she is murdered shortly after their wedding, making it one of the saddest Bond films.

      Rigg went on to have a remarkable career, playing Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones and a significant role in Edgar Wright’s 2021 film Last Night in Soho, which was completed shortly before