Bond Girl Valerie Leon Opens up about Her Friendship with Late 007 Roger Moore
British actress Valerie Leon became a household name during her days as a bond girl where she starred alongside Roger Moore. Recently, she opened up on what filming with the late star was like.
British actress Valerie Leon is no stranger to starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights and featuring in blockbuster movies. In 1977, she brought her talent to the spotlight when she featured in "The Spy Who Loved Me" with Roger Moore.
As the years went by, Leon continued to rack up prominent roles and stamp her name as a Hollywood top gun. She would go on to feature next to Sean Connery in 1983's "Never Say Never Again."
English actress Valerie Leon posing for a photo, circa 1975 | Photo: Getty Images
FRIENDSHIP WITH ROGER MOORE
Of all the star names she acted with, Leon has fond memories of her time with late "007" star Roger Moore. The 77-year-old British actress recently opened up on her successful adventure in the movie industry, and she did not forget to mention Moore.
Reflecting on her first encounter with Moore, Leon said that they first worked in "The Persuaders!" in 1971, where the late Bond star gave her an unscripted kiss which she joked was difficult to forget.
The duo went on to collaborate on other movies, forging a sweet friendship. The 77-year-old "Carry On Girls" star recalled that Moore was a sweet and charming person she greatly missed.
While she became notable for her stunning looks, Leon admitted to being a shy girl when she started. As much as she found it difficult to relate because of her shyness, she said that Moore's arms of friendship were always warm to her.
WORKING WITH SEAN CONNERY
Speaking on working with Sean Connery in "Never Say Never Again," Leon described the movie as difficult, but she still had fun with the iconic Connery.
Connery had not played a Bond role in a while, so expectations were high. Leon described the late Bond legend as a perfectionist, while Moore was a jokester who loved to make fun on the set.
OTHER BOND GIRLS
Being called a Bond girl is one of the biggest honors an actress can hope to achieve. Over the years, several stars have had a stint in a Bond movie and went on to enjoy remarkable careers.
Ursula Andress became known as the first Bond girl and popularized some of the movie's best scenes. Now in her 80's, Andress continues to be an icon loved by her fans.
Swiss actress Ursula Andress in Italy, circa 1954 | Photo: Getty Images
Eunice Gayson, another Bond girl, played Bond's girlfriend Sylvia Trench in two films. According to reports, Gayson died in 2018 at the age of 90.