Timothy Dalton James Bond profile on "Evening Magazine" 1987

Timothy Dalton, about to portray James Bond for the first time in "The Living Daylights," is interviewed by "Evening Magazine." 1987.

Notice that Mr. Dalton, the last James Bond to smoke on screen (except for Pierce Brosnan's cigar in D.A.D.) is smoking during his interview.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Timothy Dalton
• James Bond
• 007
• Evening Magazine
• Living Daylights. 1987

[legatofancier]

Broccoli & Saltzman were interested in casting Timothy Dalton as early as 1969. However, they mutually concluded that he was young at the time. Broccoli sounded him out again in 1980, but Michael Wilson said that Dalton was not interested at the time. It's too bad that Dalton did not take over the role earlier, with writing and directing that really supported him. Timothy Dalton was the James Bond that Ian Fleming almost certainly would have accepted and enjoyed.

[intrepidman222]

@legatofancier

I'm not sure if you're correct about the producers not wanting Dalton in 1969. I've seen different interviews with Mr. Dalton saying he was offered the role in 1969, and he consistently states he turned the role down because he thought he was too young at the time (and didn't want to follow Sean Connery in the role.) But I could be wrong about that.

I have read that Dana Broccoli, "Cubby's" wife, was the one to suggest Dalton. Just as she'd suggested Connery.

[Riddler95]

Timothy Dalton didn't beat out Pierce Brosnan for James Bond in The Living Daylights.

Pierce Brosnan was cast as Bond but he couldn't commit to the film because of his contract to Remington Steele. Pierce had his screentests and costume fittings for The Living Daylights.

Timothy Dalton was considered for the role for a long time.

[intrepidman222]

@Riddler95 -

Mr. Dalton was the ORIGINAL choice - before Pierce Brosnan was offered the role - for "The Living Daylights." Dalton had a scheduling conflict - either with the movie, "Brenda Starr," or a stage play he was performing in at the time. Thus, the producers then went to Brosnan, who, as you say, had a conflict with "Remington Steele." But that's why the Bond producers then went BACK to Dalton.

[Jacer92]

I meant great actor in general lol my bad

[intrepidman222]

@Jacer92 - I thought you meant an underrated Bond and an (underrated) actor. Either way, I agree.

[margosacco]

Timothy Dalton was an awesome Bond. He was so real and believable. It is unfortunate that he only played Bond twice. Dalton is the greatest actor working in films today. It is tragic that he usually plays small supporting roles when Dalton is so gifted and talented.

[MrLunitunz]

@MrBronwaugh No he didn't. Roger Moore wasn't even a household name when they were making the first Bond film. The Saint wouldn't even premiere until 1962, after Dr No came out.

Ian Fleming wanted David Niven. Broccolli/Saltzman wanted Grant. Nobody even considered Moore until Connery didn't want to do them anymore.

[MrLunitunz]

@intrepidman222 Dalton was busy with Brenda Starr, so they got Brosnan. Remington Steele was cancelled at the time so Brosnan could take the part. When they heard Brosnan was doing Bond, NBC brought back Steele, for which Brosnan was contractually obligated, so he couldn't do Bond, so they gave it back to Dalton and re-wrote the script to play to his strengths.

Brosnan and Dalton are my favourites and I think the series would have benefitted from both of them starting earlier as Bond.

[MrBronwaugh]

@legatofancier I'd like to remind you that Ian Fleming originally wanted Roger Moore to be cast as Bond, some people think he wanted Cary Grant, but this isn't the case. Originally he was very disappointed that Connery got cast as Bond, but he did grow to like him in the end.

[ARavingLooony]

i cant help but remember th line in chuck "oh cool a tiny weapon standoff" when i see tim

[rascalMatt17]

I worked in special operations and i say Dalton was my favorite modern Bond. I like Connery but Dalton is the most realistic choice.

[9jay10]

its funny I like Timothy Dalton Roger Moore And Sean Connery equally as the 2nd best Bond (My favorite being Pierce Brosnan)

[MrHankscorpio100]

@margosacco agreed mate. love dalton. such a letdown that he only did 2 bond movies. doesn't get the credit he deserves.

[TaffTalk]

If you ever read the original novels by Fleming, then you will really appreciate how Timothy Dalton nailed the role perfectly, even just edging Connery to be the best and most believable actor to play James Bond.