James Bond icon faces health battle—what his ex-wife revealed may surprise you
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For many of us, James Bond represents strength, charm, and resilience—the ultimate hero in a tailored suit.
But real life tells a different story.
George Lazenby, who famously played Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is now 85 and facing one of the most personal challenges of his life: the early stages of dementia.
He has retired from public life, choosing to spend his time in peace and privacy.
But as his memory fades, someone unexpected has stepped in to help—his former wife, tennis legend Pam Shriver.
Pam Shriver, 63, made her mark in the world of tennis, winning five Wimbledon doubles titles and dozens of other honors.
But these days, she’s taken on a more intimate role—one of quiet caregiving and support for the man she once divorced after a difficult marriage.
“It was horrific,” she told The Telegraph, referring to their split in 2008.
The two didn’t speak for years afterward.
But time, distance, and shared parenting slowly led to a shift.
“As George enters the last phase of his life,” Pam said, “I just want to extend this late period of reconciliation and renewal for as long as I can.”
The turning point came in 2011, during a Thanksgiving gathering where mutual friends helped bridge the gap between them.
That meeting sparked something unexpected—a sense of peace and connection that has grown stronger ever since.
Today, Pam and George share a routine filled with simple, meaningful moments.
“We go for walks together, chatting about the kids and all the little anxieties anyone with an older relative will recognize,” Pam shared.
George, she says, still enjoys watching sports—even if he doesn’t always remember the details.
Source: Facebook / Telegraph Sport
While dementia has affected George’s short-term memory, Pam says his spirit and personality remain intact.
He continues to tell stories from his younger days and remains closely connected to their children: sons George and Sam, and daughter Kait.
“He’s still very much himself,” Pam said, though now a gentler version of the man she once knew.
One of the scariest moments in recent years came when George narrowly escaped the Los Angeles wildfires.
The care facility where he was staying was destroyed.
That near-tragedy was a wake-up call for Pam. “I realized how much he still means to me,” she said.
Since then, she’s moved him to a new assisted-living home in Santa Monica, where she visits him regularly.
“I try to spend at least an hour with George every day,” she said.
That time has become a cherished part of her routine.
Caring for someone with dementia is never easy.
It’s a journey that many Americans over 50 know all too well—one filled with emotional ups and downs, long goodbyes, and quiet moments of grace.
What makes this story especially poignant is the fact that Pam and George were once estranged.
Now, they’ve found something deeply meaningful in this new phase of their relationship.
Pam’s journey may have started out of necessity, but it has evolved into something more—an expression of compassion, forgiveness, and lasting connection.
Source: Instagram / georgelazenbyofficial
Although George Lazenby only played James Bond once, his legacy has endured for decades.
When he announced his retirement from public life in July 2024, he didn’t focus on illness—instead, he thanked fans for their years of support and emphasized the importance of family.
“My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years,” he wrote.
“It has meant a lot to me.”
Source: Instagram / georgelazenbyofficial
George and Pam’s story is a reminder that relationships can change—even after heartache and distance.
It shows us that reconciliation is possible, and that sometimes, caring for someone can bring a new sense of peace and purpose.
For anyone walking alongside a loved one with memory loss, this story offers hope.
There is pain, yes—but also humor, love, and moments of joy that shine through, even in the face of illness.
Read next: Jane Seymour reveals how she stays fit at 74 with no strict diet—unlock her age-defying secrets!
Have you gone through something similar with a loved one? Whether it’s a spouse, parent, or close friend—your story matters. Feel free to share your experience in the comments!
But real life tells a different story.
George Lazenby, who famously played Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is now 85 and facing one of the most personal challenges of his life: the early stages of dementia.
He has retired from public life, choosing to spend his time in peace and privacy.
But as his memory fades, someone unexpected has stepped in to help—his former wife, tennis legend Pam Shriver.
George Lazenby, best known for his role as James Bond, is now facing the early stages of dementia at age 85. Image Source: YouTube / Bullets & Blockbusters.
A complicated past, and a new beginning
Pam Shriver, 63, made her mark in the world of tennis, winning five Wimbledon doubles titles and dozens of other honors.
But these days, she’s taken on a more intimate role—one of quiet caregiving and support for the man she once divorced after a difficult marriage.
“It was horrific,” she told The Telegraph, referring to their split in 2008.
The two didn’t speak for years afterward.
But time, distance, and shared parenting slowly led to a shift.
“As George enters the last phase of his life,” Pam said, “I just want to extend this late period of reconciliation and renewal for as long as I can.”
Also read: Beloved James Bond icon from three classic 007 films passes away—fans heartbroken by family’s touching tribute
Rebuilding, one day at a time
The turning point came in 2011, during a Thanksgiving gathering where mutual friends helped bridge the gap between them.
That meeting sparked something unexpected—a sense of peace and connection that has grown stronger ever since.
Today, Pam and George share a routine filled with simple, meaningful moments.
“We go for walks together, chatting about the kids and all the little anxieties anyone with an older relative will recognize,” Pam shared.
George, she says, still enjoys watching sports—even if he doesn’t always remember the details.
Source: Facebook / Telegraph Sport
Also read: The next 007 revealed: Unravel who is taking over as the legendary James Bond!
“Still very much himself”
While dementia has affected George’s short-term memory, Pam says his spirit and personality remain intact.
He continues to tell stories from his younger days and remains closely connected to their children: sons George and Sam, and daughter Kait.
“He’s still very much himself,” Pam said, though now a gentler version of the man she once knew.
Also read: A-list icon lands a game-changing role in the first-ever James Bond spin-off—How will Amazon handle the 007 franchise?
A wildfire scare brought things into focus
One of the scariest moments in recent years came when George narrowly escaped the Los Angeles wildfires.
The care facility where he was staying was destroyed.
That near-tragedy was a wake-up call for Pam. “I realized how much he still means to me,” she said.
Since then, she’s moved him to a new assisted-living home in Santa Monica, where she visits him regularly.
“I try to spend at least an hour with George every day,” she said.
That time has become a cherished part of her routine.
Also read: The end of an era: James Bond’s notorious villain Bruce Glover passes away at 92—see his son's emotional farewell
The emotional weight of caregiving
Caring for someone with dementia is never easy.
It’s a journey that many Americans over 50 know all too well—one filled with emotional ups and downs, long goodbyes, and quiet moments of grace.
What makes this story especially poignant is the fact that Pam and George were once estranged.
Now, they’ve found something deeply meaningful in this new phase of their relationship.
Pam’s journey may have started out of necessity, but it has evolved into something more—an expression of compassion, forgiveness, and lasting connection.
Source: Instagram / georgelazenbyofficial
Also read: Phil Collins steps back into the spotlight—Fans moved by recent photo and health update
More than just a Bond legacy
Although George Lazenby only played James Bond once, his legacy has endured for decades.
When he announced his retirement from public life in July 2024, he didn’t focus on illness—instead, he thanked fans for their years of support and emphasized the importance of family.
“My sincere gratitude to everyone out there for your love and support over the years,” he wrote.
“It has meant a lot to me.”
Source: Instagram / georgelazenbyofficial
George and Pam’s story is a reminder that relationships can change—even after heartache and distance.
It shows us that reconciliation is possible, and that sometimes, caring for someone can bring a new sense of peace and purpose.
For anyone walking alongside a loved one with memory loss, this story offers hope.
There is pain, yes—but also humor, love, and moments of joy that shine through, even in the face of illness.
Read next: Jane Seymour reveals how she stays fit at 74 with no strict diet—unlock her age-defying secrets!
Have you gone through something similar with a loved one? Whether it’s a spouse, parent, or close friend—your story matters. Feel free to share your experience in the comments!
