Bio | Best Bond? | Other Bond Actors

If there were every a Hollywood star today that served in Her Majesty's Royal Army, and still maintain his acting career, they would be referred to "A David Niven."

James David Graham Niven was born on the 1st of March, 1910 in London, England. After attending a highly awarded British Independent School, Niven joined the Royal Army in hopes of glory and the service of his country. Though he did not particular enjoy his time on the Royal Army, he did manage to keep up his appearance, branding the name the "Officer and Gentleman"

He would later serve his country in World War II, after making 27 successful films and playwright's.

After the War, he resumed his acting career. With such success, it was no wonder he was one of very few that was Ian Fleming's choice for Bond.

But a stroke of luck came in 1967, as he was chosen for Bond to play a spoof "Casino Royale" by Charles Feldman. Feldman stated "he was Flemings choice for Bond. So I sent him (Niven) a copy of Casino Royale, and the whole thing went from there." Niven's portrayal of Bond adds the comedy side to Bond. In the spoof, the comedy can be shown many times, notably during most of Niven fights scenes.

After Casino Royale, Niven is mentioned many times in official Bond films. In the ski lift on On Her Majesty's Secret Service James Bond (George Lazenby) is told that David Niven is a frequent visitor. He is also mentioned in You Only Live Twice, as "the Gentleman of Hollywood."

David Niven died July 29th, 1983 in Switzerland. He died of what many Americans call the "Lou Gehrig's Disease."

As John Mortimer put it, "I don't think his acting ever quite achieved the brilliance or the polish of his dinner-party conversations."