Introduction
James Bond, the iconic fictional spy, is known for his quippy one-liners that punctuate his most badass moments. Each 007 actor has brought their own unique style to these memorable lines, making them an integral part of the character's legacy. From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, the one-liners have become a trademark of the Bond franchise, adding humor and wit to the action-packed adventures. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the most iconic one-liners from each James Bond actor, ranked based on their wit and impact.
James Bond carrying a cello case in The Living Daylights
The tradition of one-liners was introduced with the first on-screen adaptation of the Bond character, played by Sean Connery, and has continued through every subsequent incarnation of the role. Even the grittier and more realistic portrayals of Bond, like Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig, have had their share of memorable one-liners. The ability to write puns about sex and murder is considered a job requirement for the screenwriter of a Bond movie, highlighting the importance of these witty remarks in the franchise.
Bond getting dressed in Goldfinger
One of the occasions that call for a one-liner in a Bond movie is when 007 punctuates one of his licensed kills. The use of wordplay also extends to moments of double entendre, especially when Bond is in bed with a woman. Each Bond actor has brought their own comedic sensibility to the one-liners, from the tongue-in-cheek humor of the Roger Moore era to the self-aware satire of George Lazenby's brief recasting. Now, let's delve into the most iconic one-liners from each James Bond actor, exploring the wit and impact of these memorable lines.
James Bond holds Alec Trevelyan over a satellite dish in GoldenEye
Sean Connery: Setting the Gold Standard
As the very first Bond actor in the official Eon canon, Sean Connery introduced the one-liner tradition to the franchise. His witty remarks became an integral part of the character's charm, adding humor to the action-packed sequences. From quips about spear guns to fish tanks full of hungry piranhas, Connery's Bond set the gold standard for the series' action-packed cold opens.
The most memorable one-liner from Connery's tenure arrived in the cold open of Goldfinger. This sequence established the gold standard for the Bond series' action-packed cold opens. After a thrilling chase and an ambush by an assassin, Bond delivers a hilariously cold-blooded punchline, turning a man's death into a corny pun. This line provides a hilariously cold-blooded punchline before the opening titles kick in, showcasing Connery's mastery of the character's wit and charm.
George Lazenby: A Meta Nod to the Recasting
George Lazenby is the Bond actor with the fewest movies, having only starred in one – On Her Majesty's Secret Service – before Connery returned to the role. Lazenby's portrayal of Bond brought a fun meta nod to the recasting, winking at the audience with the one-liner, "This never happened to the other fellow." This clever line not only acknowledged the character's recasting but also set up a darker, more serious storyline than any of the other fellow's previous outings, adding depth to Lazenby's portrayal of 007.
George Lazenby on a beach in On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Roger Moore: Wry Humor and Ingenious Wordplay
Roger Moore's era of Bond movies was defined by a wry, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, which meant that he ended up with some of the most memorable one-liners. Moore's Bond brought a unique comedic sensibility to the character, delivering witty and ingenious wordplay that became synonymous with his portrayal of 007. From playful quips about sleeping with a KGB agent to a clever play on words in The Man with the Golden Gun, Moore's one-liners added a layer of humor and charm to the character.
Roger Moore with a rifle in The Man with the Golden Gun
The greatest one-liner from the Moore era is an ingenious play on words in The Man with the Golden Gun. When 007 is trying to get a bad guy to talk, he delivers a great pun on the phrase, "Speak now or forever hold your peace," with the homophone "piece" implying a clever threat. This line showcases Moore's mastery of the character's wry humor and ingenious wordplay, solidifying his legacy as one of the most iconic Bond actors.
