Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
By
Michael Block
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Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
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When it comes to elements that are inherent to James Bond films, you immediately think of the high-octane action sequences, incredible gadgets galore, and the dastardly villains. Oh, and the Bond girls. A prestigious, if sometimes controversial, role, these characters have served as a female foil for our agent. Some have become the MI6 agent’s seductive kryptonite, while others have captured his heart wholly. No matter their presence in the film, they’ve had a massive impact on why the James Bond franchise is so iconic.
Whether ally, adversary, or love interest, the women have brought out the sexiness in the spy thrillers. Some have double entendres for names while others find their strength simply in their presence. Now, to be an elite and iconic Bond girl is no easy feat. For this list, we’ll be looking at the women not only for their impact on the film but also for the broader picture of the franchise. Perhaps they started the trend of emerging out of the ocean in legendary fashion or served as the only individual to take his hand in marriage. These ten brilliant women have epitomized the moniker while advancing the role through nuance, depth, charm, and, of course, sensuality.
10 Xenia Onatopp
'GoldenEye' (1995)
Image via MGM
What's in a name? Well, everything with a name like Xenia Onatopp. Portrayed by the rapturous Famke Janssen, GoldenEye's Bond girl was a genuine femme fatale. Working for renegade MI6 agent Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), Xenia is a sadistic and psychopathic assassin who has an affinity for killing her victims by crushing them with her thighs. Portrayed as a former Soviet pilot who derives sexual pleasure from killing, Xenia is a formidable villain. Alongside Pierce Brosnan's first time as Bond, Janssen proved to be an exceptional first Bond girl for him. Especially being an individual who poses a that to Bond's masculinity.
With an innuendo-laden name with blatant sexuality, Xenia personified a hypersexualized character through the lens of a visually persistent dominatrix. But it worked for her. And Janssen's performance elevated the character with her depth and ease in the role. Dominating and independent, Xenia was the perfect representative for the 90s era of Bond flicks.
9 Solitaire
'Live and Let Die' (1973)
Image via united Artists
Live and Let Die is a truly fascinating Bond film, filled with voodoo, magic, and drugs. The film’s main antagonist, Dr. Kananga (Yaphet Kotto), is a corrupt Caribbean dictator who rules San Monique, where opium poppies are secretly farmed. On his employee list is Solitaire, a psychic and Tarot reader. When Bond (Roger Moore) encounters Solitaire, she warns him that he will not fulfill his mission. Eager for more, she instructs him to pick a card, leading to the reveal of the lovers' card, allowing for the catalyst of their eventual romance. Of course, was a major gimmick to keep the intrigue of the character: in order for Solitaire to keep her abilities, she must remain a virgin to preserve them. And yes, she loses it.
Played by the illustrious Jane Seymour, Solitaire is easily one of the most captivating individuals to earn the moniker. Seymour has an innate quality that keeps you engrossed in her gaze. Adorned in an elaborate costume, Seymour’s Solitaire provided a perfect lover for Moore’s first foray as Bond. She was remarkable and mysterious, which infused a bit of eroticism. Though looking back at it today, it may feel taboo for a white woman to play the part, with the material she was presented with, Seymour gave a performance that put her on the map.
8 Wai Lin
'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997)
Wai Lin (Michelle Yeoh) in 'Tomorrow Never Dies'.Image via MGM Distribution Co.
Before she was an Oscar winner or starting the recent Madame Morrible-Wicked Witch flip meme, Michelle Yeoh was a Bond girl. And a skilled one at that. In Tomorrow Never Dies, Wai Lin is a Chinese spy for the People's External Security Force sent to investigate the disappearance of stealth materials from a Chinese military base. After being ordered to kill each other, Lin and Bond (Brosnon) are forced to work together, and, as is the trend, they develop mutual respect that eventually turned to more.
Both playful and savvy, Yeoh wasn’t just a stunning seductress; she ensured that Lin was a character you could take seriously. She was proof of the archetype's evolution. Having a resourceful and brilliant mind, she easily could have been a female version of James Bond. It would be fascinating to see where Wai Lin would be now.
7 Solange Dimitrioss
'Casino Royale' (2006)
Caterina Murino as Solange Dimitrios in 'Casino Royale.'Image via Sony Pictures
James Bond can sometimes be a bit of a bad boy. Romancing a bad guy’s henchman is one thing. Romancing their wife? That’s next level. Such was the case in Casino Royale with the wife of villainous Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian). Solange Dimitrios, played by Caterina Murino, becomes a lover to Daniel Craig's Bond in order to gather information on her husband's criminal activities. Their affair begins in the Bahamas, where there is an instant attraction, especially since they are in a loveless marriage. Unfortunately, her fate is sealed upon her husband learning of her affair.
Bond returns to find that she had been tortured, killed, and wrapped in a hammock. His inability to protect her from death becomes a pivotal emotional moment in the arc of the film. Known for her beauty and tragic fate, Solange serves to humanize the 21st-century Bond. She might have had a stronger legacy had she not been in the same film with another woman later on this list.
6 May Day
'A View to a Kill' (1985)
May Day (Grace Jones) holds a Secret Service agent aloft above her head in 'A View to a Kill',Image via MGM/UA Distribution Co.
Ok, this may be a controversial entry as there are many women who could be in this spot, but if we’re discussing a legendary actress with a profound and iconic image, we must acknowledge Grace Jones’ captivatingly brilliant portrayal of May Day in A View to a Kill. Working as a bodyguard and lover of Max Zorin (Christopher Walken), May Day was a physically strong and violent assassin. She was everything you could want to see on screen.
Though she may have started off on the bad side, she ultimately betrays Zorin, sacrificing her life to thwart his murderous scheme. Proving an exuberance to the role, Jones’ energy proved to be a highlight of the film, thanks in part to a compelling character. No one has had quite a strikingly powerful image quite like May Day. Jones’ look in the film has inspired a legion of fashion trends. And rightly so. Even in the film’s poster, Jones, standing back-to-back to Moore's Bond, proves how dominating a presence she was.
5 Vesper Lynd
'Casino Royale' (2006)
Eva Green as Vesper Lynd in Casino RoyaleImage via Sony Pictures Releasing
Vesper Lynd has appeared twice in James Bond history, both in Casino Royale. You know, because there are two drastically different versions of the film. For this list, we’re going to focus on the version played by Eva Green in the Daniel Craig version. Vesper is a British Treasury liaison officer from the HM Treasury's Financial Action Task Force and a double agent who works with James Bond on a mission to bankrupt Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Developing a deep and intimate relationship with Bond, she was blackmailed by Quantum to betray Bond. A decision would live to regret.
From the moment they sized each other up, it was evident that Vesper was unlike any other woman Bond had encountered. Their intimacy runs deep and is truly authentic. Green brought Vesper into the 21st century, giving her a modern essence while preserving the integrity of Fleming’s novels. Her performance was near flawless. In fact, if we were focusing solely on actor over character, she might be at the top, if not very close to it. There was depth to Vesper that many other Bond girls lacked. She had razor-sharp wit and intelligence that parlayed into a formidable equal to Bond. Her death allowed Bond a newfound emotional path that helped set forth his future in the following films. Thus, her presence was long-lasting.
4 Jill Masterson
'Goldfinger' (1964)
Shirley Eaton as Jill Masterson in GoldfingerImage via MGM
Goldfinger was a notorious Bond film for an array of reasons, but until we get to the franchise’s most iconic Bond girl entrance, we must discuss the most infamous image, possibly in the history of the films. Jill Masterson, played by Shirley Eaton, begins as an ally of Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe), helping him cheat at cards with the aid of a hidden earpiece and binoculars. She eventually betrays her boss and has an affair with Bond (Sean Connery) following their blackmail of Goldfinger. But, as punishment for her betrayal, she is painted head-to-toe in gold paint by Goldfinger's henchman, Oddjob (Harold Sakata), and dies from "skin suffocation".
Only a small part, comparatively, Jill Masterson’s death was iconic, mostly due to the image of seeing this stunning woman painted in gold. Easily one of the most prolific deaths in 007 history, the character's impact on pop culture is bountiful. Images last forever, and Jill Masterson is one that will never leave our minds.
3 Honey Ryder
'Dr. No' (1962)
Image via Eon Productions
We’ll always remember our first. Widely considered the first official Bond girl, Honey Ryder will forever be known for her iconic sea entrance in a white bikini. Played by Ursula Andress in Dr. No, the moment not only impacted future portrayals in Bond films, but it also played a role as one of the most memorable moments in cinema history. The shell diver who becomes a love interest for James Bond (Connery), Honey Ryder is a stunner from moment one, earning the title of a cinematic icon.
Immediately considered a sex symbol, something that would be synonymous with future characters, Andress’ was more than just a beautiful prop. She was a trusted ally who was a crucial player in his defeat of Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman). Though a damsel in distress in the film, Ian Fleming’s version was seen as much more resourceful. That said, it likely wouldn’t have made the same impact on screen, something that has generally plagued female characters in the franchise. Common at the time, her lines in the film, her lines were dubbed by Nikki van der Zyl due to Andress's accent.
2 Pussy Galore
'Goldfinger' (1964)
Goldfinger (1964) Image via United Artists
With one of the most iconic names across the entirety of the James Bond catalogue, Pussy Galore is a genuine legend. Played by Honor Blackman in Goldfinger, the blonde bombshell served as the personal pilot of gold smuggler Auric Goldfinger and the leader of a female aviator team called "Pussy Galore's Flying Circus." Serving as the premiere female henchman, her role in Operation Grand Slam makes her so dastardly.
Falling into the trap of switching alliances after being wooed by our hero, though she didn’t give in at first, rejecting his advances. Pussy Galore ultimately becomes a hero within the span of the film, double-crossing Goldfinger in the end. Because of the character’s fame and notoriety, she rises to the top of the crop. The character's legacy expanded into Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery through Alotta Fagina. With a name that probably feels more like a drag name today, Pussy Galore's impact on the franchise is major. And we love that for her.
1 Tracy di Vincenzo
'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' (1969)
Diana Rigg as Tracy di Vicenzo in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'Image via Eon Productions
If you are able to convince James Bond to marry you, you deserve the top spot because it’s an honor no other woman has been able to do. And it certainly helps when you’re played by the incomparable Diana Rigg! On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a unique film for an array of reasons, namely, as it was George Lazenby’s only appearance as 007. But a major reason why this film is revered is Rigg’s exceptional performance. Playing the only true Mrs. James Bond, Tracy di Vincenzo was one incredible woman.
The daughter of a Corsican crime lord, Marc-Ange Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti), Tracy served as the perfect foil for her future husband. With a charming flamboyance and wit, Tracy came in with such bravado that she could have reasonably led her own film. Perhaps that’s a testament to Rigg’s extraordinary performance. Carrying the weight of her mother’s death on her shoulders, which led her to be sent away to boarding school, Tracy didn’t let her end her. Though Bond was initially tasked with romancing her to keep her out of trouble, it only led to a genuine romance blossoming.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service packed a brutal punch for Tracy as the Bond marriage was short-lived. Tracy was murdered by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) and henchman Irma Bunt (Ilse Steppat) shortly after their wedding. Her death had a profound effect on Bond, and rightly so. It was an incredibly tragic loss, but with time removed, we have reverence for Tracy because the time we had with her was well worth every minute.
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On Her Majesty's Secret Service
PG
Adventure
Action
Thriller
Release Date
December 18, 1969
Runtime
142 minutes
Director
Peter R. Hunt
Writers
Richard Maibaum, Ian Fleming, Simon Raven
Cast
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George Lazenby
James Bond
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Diana Rigg
Tracy Di Vicenzo
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On Her Majesty's Secret Service
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