The legendary soap opera icon recently shared a fascinating story about a major career crossroads. During an appearance on “Today,” the All My Children star revealed she once auditioned for a coveted role as a Bond girl. She even met with producer Barbara Broccoli in New York to discuss the opportunity. It was a high-stakes moment that could have shifted her career from daytime television to the world of international cinema.
However, Susan Lucci discovered she didn’t get the part in a very unexpected way. While in the hair and makeup room at work, she saw a Playboy magazine featuring Kim Basinger on the cover. The headline identified Basinger as the new woman for 007. At that moment, the actress realized the role was gone, though she handled the news with her signature grace and poise.
Life After Erica Kane
BOND GIRL LOST: Susan Lucci reveals she learned Kim Basinger took the 007 role from a Playboy cover handed to her on set. https://t.co/AqfESLMhKK
— Fox News Entertainment (@FoxNewsEnt) April 19, 2026
Decades after that brush with Bond, the actress is still captivating audiences by sharing her personal journey, according to Fox News. In March 2026, she released her memoir titled “La Lucci,” where she opens up about the pressures of the spotlight. She recalled the intense stress of returning to her role as Erica Kane just one week after giving birth. To fit into a “tight, black, sexy nightgown,” she famously ate nothing but asparagus for ten days straight to lose the baby weight quickly.
Despite the intensity of those early years, Susan Lucci has since adopted a much more sustainable lifestyle. She discovered Pilates in 1995, which completely changed her perspective on health and fitness. She moved away from the “instigator” mindset of ordering heavy restaurant deliveries in New York. Today, she prioritizes clean living and encourages others to listen to their bodies’ natural cravings for healthy fuel.
Finding Balance and Resilience
The memoir also touches on how the star found balance after experiencing personal loss. She credits her disciplined routine and positive mindset for helping her navigate the “adversity” of a long career in the public eye. While she may have missed out on being a Bond girl, her portrayal of Erica Kane remains one of the most iconic roles in television history. Her ability to pivot and reinvent herself has kept her relevant across multiple generations of fans.
In her recent interviews, Susan Lucci emphasized that she was never unhappy with the hard work required by her profession. She simply “did what she had to do” to succeed in a competitive industry. By sharing these behind-the-scenes stories, she provides a candid look at the reality of Hollywood stardom. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those looking to maintain health, elegance, and a sense of humor through life’s many chapters.