In 1968, George Lazenby, now 85, was cast as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, taking over a role made famous by Sean Connery. Unfortunately, Lazenby struggled to fit into the iconic character, partly due to poor advice he received. As his fame dwindled, he shifted focus to family life, ultimately facing tragedy with the loss of his son to a malignant brain tumor in 1994.
The James Bond franchise began in 1963 with Dr. No and has since become a cultural phenomenon, featuring numerous films and actors over the decades. Sean Connery, who portrayed Bond in five films between 1962 and 1967, grew weary of the role. In a 1965 interview with Playboy, he expressed his disinterest, stating he was “sick of this Bond thing”, and found the constant association with the character monotonous.
When Connery stepped away, producers faced the daunting task of finding a successor. Lazenby, then a 29-year-old unknown actor from Australia, caught their attention after appearing in commercials for Fry’s chocolate spread. His persistence and charm helped him land the coveted role. Lazenby even spent his last savings on a tailored suit that had originally belonged to Connery.
Upon auditioning, he boldly introduced himself by saying: “I heard you’re looking for James Bond”, and was subsequently offered the part. However, upon the release of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, reviews were mixed, and comparisons to Connery overshadowed Lazenby’s performance. Notably, critic Gene Siskel remarked that Lazenby lacked the suave confidence of his predecessor.
Despite the criticism, Lazenby was presented with a $1 million contract for six more films, but his manager advised against it, suggesting he pursue other opportunities. This decision led to Lazenby being “blacklisted” in Hollywood, with a reputation for being difficult to work with.
After a brief career in film and television, Lazenby shifted to a more private life. He married Christina Gannet in 1971, and they had two children. Tragically, their son Zachary battled a brain tumor for eight years before passing away at 19, leaving Lazenby “devastated”. Gannet shared on social media that losing Zachary was a profound sorrow for them both.
Following his son’s death, Lazenby divorced Gannet and later married Olympic tennis champion Pam Shriver, with whom he has three children. Now, Lazenby reflects on his life and cherishes his role as a father, stating: “The real successes in my life are my children”. Remember Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond? Share your thoughts on his legacy!
Shannen Doherty, ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’ Star, Dies at 53
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Shannen Doherty, who was well-known for her performances on the immensely successful programs “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the witchcraft fantasy “Charmed,” passed away. 53 was her age.
Publicist Leslie Sloane issued a statement on behalf of actress Shannen Doherty, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty.” After battling illness for many years, she lost her struggle on Saturday, July 13. With her dog, Bowie, at her side, the loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by those she loved. In order for the family to grieve in peace, they kindly request privacy at this time.
In 1990, Doherty became well-known as the youthful brunette Brenda Walsh on the Fox sitcom “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The Walshes, who had recently moved from Minnesota to Beverly Hills with her twin brother Brandon (Jason Priestly), were the quintessential out-of-place family, always in awe of the antics of the L.A. rich kids.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-3764810839868565&output=html&h=183&slotname=8851483697&adk=572506044&adf=1667042826&pi=t.ma~as.8851483697&w=730&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&lmt=1723705067&rafmt=11&format=730×183&url=https%3A%2F%2Favokaddo.com%2F2024%2F07%2F16%2Fhannen-doherty-beverly-hills-90210-and-charmed-star-dies-at-53%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawEqg_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRhQIAUGvIXHhMm8CdpfFgz70ah3qrfDgzE97b9ZiFQC-dYGPDXTQCaHxQ_aem_v34Vj_n9JpXsptbRGZih6g&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTUuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJOb3QvQSlCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTI2LjAuNjQ3OC4xODMiXSxbIk9wZXJhIEdYIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1723704488523&bpp=1&bdt=1127&idt=167&shv=r20240813&mjsv=m202408130101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dcf59a1ce51a438cf%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DALNI_MYJaJOB3bsPSunIOMN7MD4c8CDm-Q&eo_id_str=ID%3D0cc428cd87fc972c%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DAA-AfjYewfrC42NEkEIcSuBseT-j&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1100x280%2C730x183&nras=1&correlator=6062070936269&frm=20&pv=1&rplot=4&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=864&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=190&ady=1961&biw=1481&bih=759&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C44795921%2C95331833%2C95334528%2C95334829%2C95337869%2C31086175%2C31086140%2C95339226%2C31078663%2C31078668%2C31078670&oid=2&pvsid=1440511166290006&tmod=749872709&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1495%2C759&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CopeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=0&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=2&fsb=1&dtd=M
The storyline in the first season where Brenda contemplates losing her virginity caused controversy because of the romance between Brenda and Dylan, played by Luke Perry. It was also widely reported when Dylan and Jennie Garth’s character Kelly broke up, and the show was hailed for being the first to tackle sensitive subjects like racism and drug misuse.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-3764810839868565&output=html&h=183&slotname=3197500636&adk=3620063370&adf=1955370142&pi=t.ma~as.3197500636&w=730&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&lmt=1723705067&rafmt=11&format=730×183&url=https%3A%2F%2Favokaddo.com%2F2024%2F07%2F16%2Fhannen-doherty-beverly-hills-90210-and-charmed-star-dies-at-53%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawEqg_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRhQIAUGvIXHhMm8CdpfFgz70ah3qrfDgzE97b9ZiFQC-dYGPDXTQCaHxQ_aem_v34Vj_n9JpXsptbRGZih6g&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTUuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJOb3QvQSlCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTI2LjAuNjQ3OC4xODMiXSxbIk9wZXJhIEdYIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1723704488524&bpp=1&bdt=1127&idt=186&shv=r20240813&mjsv=m202408130101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dcf59a1ce51a438cf%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DALNI_MYJaJOB3bsPSunIOMN7MD4c8CDm-Q&eo_id_str=ID%3D0cc428cd87fc972c%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DAA-AfjYewfrC42NEkEIcSuBseT-j&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1100x280%2C730x183%2C730x183&nras=1&correlator=6062070936269&frm=20&pv=1&rplot=4&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=864&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=190&ady=2304&biw=1481&bih=759&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C44795921%2C95331833%2C95334528%2C95334829%2C95337869%2C31086175%2C31086140%2C95339226%2C31078663%2C31078668%2C31078670&oid=2&pvsid=1440511166290006&tmod=749872709&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1495%2C759&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CopeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=0&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=3&fsb=1&dtd=M
The program was a huge smash, and along with its popularity, the cast—including the teenage Doherty—came under intense scrutiny and rumors. Even though Kelly, played by Garth, was first seen as the less likeable character on the program, Brenda quickly gained popularity and became the cast member that everyone loved to despise. The media referred to her as a diva, and there was even a newsletter published before the internet called “I Hate Brenda.” Before departing the show at the conclusion of season four, Doherty made 111 appearances. There were rumors that she had issues with other cast members, especially Garth.
Everyone had matured by the time the program was revived twice more, and Doherty reappeared as Brenda in the 2008 revival of “90210” and the 2019 reincarnation of “BH90210.”
Following her turbulent exit from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty established herself in the supernatural thriller “Charmed,” which centers on three sisters who come to terms with their supernatural identity and realize they must band together to battle evil.She costarred with Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of the three sisters. She helmed three episodes of the show in 2000 and 2001: “Be Careful What You Witch For,” “The Good, The Bad, and The Cursed,” and “All Hell Breaks Loose,” which was her final appearance. When she departed the show at the conclusion of the third season, her role was eliminated.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-3764810839868565&output=html&h=280&adk=830377384&adf=4067841563&pi=t.aa~a.14261252~i.24~rp.4&w=730&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1723705215&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=4013816440&ad_type=text_image&format=730×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Favokaddo.com%2F2024%2F07%2F16%2Fhannen-doherty-beverly-hills-90210-and-charmed-star-dies-at-53%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawEqg_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRhQIAUGvIXHhMm8CdpfFgz70ah3qrfDgzE97b9ZiFQC-dYGPDXTQCaHxQ_aem_v34Vj_n9JpXsptbRGZih6g&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=183&rw=730&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTUuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJOb3QvQSlCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTI2LjAuNjQ3OC4xODMiXSxbIk9wZXJhIEdYIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1723704489132&bpp=1&bdt=1735&idt=1&shv=r20240813&mjsv=m202408130101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dcf59a1ce51a438cf%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DALNI_MYJaJOB3bsPSunIOMN7MD4c8CDm-Q&eo_id_str=ID%3D0cc428cd87fc972c%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DAA-AfjYewfrC42NEkEIcSuBseT-j&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1100x280%2C730x183%2C730x183%2C730x183&nras=2&correlator=6062070936269&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=864&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=190&ady=3067&biw=1481&bih=759&scr_x=0&scr_y=36&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C44795921%2C95331833%2C95334528%2C95334829%2C95337869%2C31086175%2C31086140%2C95339226%2C31078663%2C31078668%2C31078670&oid=2&pvsid=1440511166290006&tmod=749872709&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C864%2C1495%2C759&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1.03&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&ifi=8&uci=a!8&btvi=4&fsb=1&dtd=M
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-3764810839868565&output=html&h=183&slotname=2267562348&adk=219640361&adf=4067841563&pi=t.ma~as.2267562348&w=730&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&lmt=1723705215&rafmt=11&format=730×183&url=https%3A%2F%2Favokaddo.com%2F2024%2F07%2F16%2Fhannen-doherty-beverly-hills-90210-and-charmed-star-dies-at-53%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawEqg_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRhQIAUGvIXHhMm8CdpfFgz70ah3qrfDgzE97b9ZiFQC-dYGPDXTQCaHxQ_aem_v34Vj_n9JpXsptbRGZih6g&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTUuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJOb3QvQSlCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTI2LjAuNjQ3OC4xODMiXSxbIk9wZXJhIEdYIiwiMTEyLjAuNTE5Ny42MCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1723704488524&bpp=1&bdt=1127&idt=736&shv=r20240813&mjsv=m202408130101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dcf59a1ce51a438cf%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DALNI_MYJaJOB3bsPSunIOMN7MD4c8CDm-Q&eo_id_str=ID%3D0cc428cd87fc972c%3AT%3D1723566560%3ART%3D1723704995%3AS%3DAA-AfjYewfrC42NEkEIcSuBseT-j&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1100x280%2C730x183%2C730x183%2C730x183%2C730x280&nras=2&correlator=6062070936269&frm=20&pv=1&rplot=4&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=864&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=190&ady=3080&biw=1481&bih=759&scr_x=0&scr_y=200&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C44795921%2C95331833%2C95334528%2C95334829%2C95337869%2C31086175%2C31086140%2C95339226%2C31078663%2C31078668%2C31078670&oid=2&pvsid=1440511166290006&tmod=749872709&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C864%2C1495%2C759&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CopeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1.03&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&ifi=6&uci=a!6&btvi=5&fsb=1&dtd=M
Doherty was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but she and her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was young. At the age of ten, she landed a role on the television show “Father Murphy.” At the age of eleven, Michael Landon cast her as Jenny Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie” after noticing her in the series.
After that, Doherty costarred with Wilfred Brimley in a recurrent role on the family series “Our House.”
She starred in several feature films, including the teen classic “Heathers,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Mallrats” directed by Kevin Smith, and “Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back.”
She made appearances in a number of TV movies in addition to “North Shore” and “Riverdale,” among other shows.
She produced the reality show “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty” in 2006, in which she assisted individuals in dangerous relationships who wished to end their relationship but were unable to do so on their own. She then made an appearance in “Off the Map With Shannen and Holly,” another reality show.
Doherty was given a breast cancer diagnosis in February 2015, and she declared herself to be in remission in 2017. However, the cancer has spread and come back by 2019. She kept on working, landing parts in TV films such as “List of a Lifetime” and “Dying to Belong.” In addition, Doherty was the host of the well-liked podcast “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” where she openly talked about her experiences with breast cancer and her career.
She claimed to have been having radiation treatment in June 2023 for cancer that had progressed to her brain.
She temporarily wed poker player Rick Salomon and Ashley Hamilton, the son of George Hamilton. In 2011, she wed photographer Kurt Iswarienko. In 2023, they filed for divorce.
Leave a Reply