TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Over more than 60 years, the James Bond franchise has set an unmatched standard for spy movies. Such iconic performances would not exist without the seven stars who have taken on the prestigious leading role of 007.
As of March 2026, however, the successor to Daniel Craig has yet to be announced, giving fans the opportunity to revisit the list of James Bond actors in order. From Sean Connery to Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, these stars brought the character to life, with a unique twist and style of their own.
Here are the complete seven James Bond actors in order, according to People and IGN.
List of James Bond Actors in Order
1. Sean Connery | 1962–1967, 1971, 1983
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As the first actor to bring the spy to the big screen, Sean Connery successfully turned the character into a global icon from the moment he starred in Dr. No. In total, he starred in seven Bond films released between 1962 and 1983. His run was not entirely continuous, as George Lazenby took over in 1969 during his break, before Connery eventually returned.
2. David Niven | 1967
While Niven’s portrayal of the spy is often forgotten, he was actually one of the actors that Ian Fleming initially had in mind for the role. Starring in the non-EON production Casino Royale, Niven brought a distinctly different flavor to 007, shaped by his comedic prowess.
3. George Lazenby | 1969
Despite George Lazenby's brief stint as 007, his performance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service left a lasting impression, with many fans still regarding it as one of the best Bond movies ever made. The role also earned him a nomination for New Star of the Year at the 1970 Golden Globes.
4. Roger Moore | 1973–1985
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Alongside Sean Connery, Roger Moore holds the record for appearing in the most James Bond films, with seven in total. Debuting in Live and Let Die, Moore brought a distinctly different tone to 007, leaning into a more playful, cheeky personality. Compared to Connery’s intense portrayal, Moore’s take felt lighter, giving the franchise an easygoing energy.
5. Timothy Dalton | 1987–1989
Another arguably overlooked actor to take on 007 is Timothy Dalton. Across his two movies, The Living Daylights (1987) and License to Kill (1989), Dalton steered the character in a much darker and more serious direction, moving closer to the original literary version created by Ian Fleming.
As noted by People, Dalton was originally set to star in three Bond films. However, due to legal disputes surrounding the franchise at the time, his tenure ultimately ended in 1989.
6. Pierce Brosnan | 1995–2002
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Pierce Brosnan’s Bond is often regarded as one of the best for a reason. With his undeniable charm, Brosnan’s version of 007 made full use of the franchise’s formula while also blending in elements from past iterations.
Originally, Brosnan was expected to star in five Bond films. However, his run came to an end after four movies as producers began looking to refresh and reinvent the franchise for a new era.
7. Daniel Craig | 2006–2021
Daniel Craig’s era marked one of the most significant reinventions of James Bond. Starting with Casino Royale (2006), he reimagined 007 as a more grounded, flawed, and deeply human character.
Additionally, Craig is also the first Bond to ever follow a clear chronological arc, allowing his portrayal to build a strong sense of continuity across 007’s journey. This character-driven approach ultimately led to a definitive conclusion in No Time to Die, giving his version of Bond a rare, full-circle ending.
From the timeless charisma of Sean Connery to the raw, emotional depth of Daniel Craig, each actor has left a distinct imprint on the legacy of James Bond. With the next Bond yet to be announced, the franchise stands at another turning point. If history has proven anything, it is that whoever takes on the role next will redefine it for a new generation.
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