In 1973, Jane Seymour became a Bond girl thanks to her time as Solitaire in Live and Let Die. She had just secured her first leading role the year prior and has since gained acclaim in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, an award-winning performance in Onassis: The Richest Man in the World, and more.
However, even today, Seymour feels that fans will first and foremost remember her as a Bond girl. But she wants to make sure people know there is much more to her than the spy franchise – and even the stereotypical trappings of Hollywood.
Jane Seymour discusses her inextricable links to James Bond and Solitaire
Speaking with Saga magazine, Seymour reflected on her enduring image as, first and foremost, a Bond girl. “I’m under no illusions about how a lot of people think about me,” she said. “Bond girl. Married four times. Lives in Los Angeles. Seventy-two years old. Must have had surgery… And that’s about it.”
RELATED: Jane Seymour: 50 Years of Her Inspiring Life 1973 to 2023
She continued, “There is so much more to me than that. And at the age I am, I have never felt more sure of who I am, and more ready to absolutely make the most of the life I have.”
Age, Seymour adds, has given her a sense of clarity and, to an extent, self-assurance in who she is, despite what others presume about her.
Acceptance and defiance
After kicking off her career in 1968, Seymour has indeed gone on to be much more than a Bond girl exclusively. The 72-year-old actress who has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and several nominations, was most recently in the film Puppy Love and the series Harry Wild. She’s also already got a 2024 credit lined up in the film Irish Wish. She’s also had a recurring role in B Positive and her performance in War and Remembrance earned her multiple nominations.
Outside of acting completely, Seymour has co-authored several children’s books and is a founder of the Open Hearts Foundation. The Jane Seymour Designs label also has her collection of furniture, jewelry pieces, and sculptures.
Age has seen her become more of a “free spirit” and she defines who – and what – she most associates herself with. These days, it’s Harry Wild. She’s even noted, “as I get older, very much a free spirit and I loved Harry as soon as I read the script.” In fact, before taking on the role, she spoke with writer David Logan and asked who he envisioned when writing it. He responded, “You, just you.”
Not Solitaire or “the Bond girl,” just Jane Seymour.
