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Ursula Andress was the first Bond girl in cinema history. 60 years later, the Swiss woman only looks back reluctantly on her role in the spy film.
Rome – When Ursula Andress (87) rose lasciviously from the waves in her legendary white bikini, she turned the heads of not only Sean Connery (1930-2020) aka James Bond, but also millions of cinema viewers in her role as Honey Ryder. The Swiss native became famous for her appearance in “James Bond – 007 Chases Dr. No” from 1962 became the first Bond girl in history. More than 60 years later, a lot has changed for her – and not just externally.
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Six decades after her legendary Bond success, Andress prefers a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. The actress, who last appeared in front of a film camera in 2005, settled in Rome a few years ago. The young lady in the bikini has become an elegant lady who is still elegantly styled from head to toe. But Ursula Andress doesn’t like to think back on her iconic Dr No appearance.
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While Sean Connery earned millions from his appearances as an agent with a license to kill, Andress said he only received a fee of $10,000. “They have also collected millions from me over decades. But I never got any recognition. “No thanks, not a cent extra, not even a bouquet of flowers,” she reports frustratedly.
With his portrayal as James Bond, Connery became an absolute film icon. The fact that Ursula Andress was not allowed to share this fate still angers the original Bond girl today. “I don’t want to talk about Bond anymore. “I’m disappointed and, above all, angry at the Bond makers,” complains Andress in an interview Bild. “Sean and I played great back then. If the first Bond hadn’t been a success, there wouldn’t have been another film. I know Sean felt the same way.”
As a matter of principle, Ursula Andress does not follow the discussions about the Bond successor
Since Daniel Craig (55) had his last adventure as James Bond with “No Time to Die” in 2021, fans of the film series have been speculating about a worthy 007 successor. Ursula Andress is no longer interested in these discussions. Although she is happy about her admirers who continue to associate her with her legendary role as Honey Ryder, she has finally closed the chapter of Bond girl. “I thank the fans for this recognition,” said Andress, “but I’m tired of Bond and don’t want to deal with it any further.”
Ursula Andress was the first Bond girl in cinema history. 60 years later, the Swiss woman only looks back reluctantly on her role in the spy film. © picture alliance/dpa/UPI | UPI; picture alliance / dpa | Peter Schneider (photomontage)
It is unclear whether Ursula Andress’ scenes would still look the same today as they did back then. Last were James Bond films have a warning label attached to them. The reason: sexism. Sources used: Bild.de