8 top actors you forgot starred in James Bond from The Crown star to Desperate Housewife

Numerous famous faces have appeared in the James Bond movies, including Madonna, Joanna Lumley and Minnie Driver.

Daniel Craig asked whether there could be a 'gay James Bond'

Over the past 61 years, 12 different actors have taken on the iconic role of James Bond, including Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Pierce Brosnan.

However, there's also been many stars make appearances in the hit movies and some you may have missed. From Madonna to Minnie Driver, numerous well-known faces have had roles in the James Bond franchise.

New research conducted by Betway has unveiled the top eight actors you may have forgotten appeared in the films and there's no doubt you'll be surprised by some of them.

Pop icon Madonna starred in Die Another Day, released in 2002. Pierce Brosnan starred as Bond in the movie, with Madonna appearing as Bond girl Verity. She also performed the film's theme song.

Madonna in Die Another Day

Madonna starred in Die Another Day, released in 2002 (Image: REUTERS/Keith Hamshere/MGM EON/Handout)

Actor Charles Dance made his Bond film debut in 1981's For Your Eyes Only, in which he took on the role of evil henchman Claus. The famous star is known for playing villains throughout his career, and has starred in shows such as Game of Thrones.

Back in 2008, Stranger Things favourite David Harbour appeared in Quantum of Solace alongside Daniel Craig, taking on the role of CIA agent Gregg Beam. He looked largely different as his Bond character, sporting a thick moustache and clear glasses.

Another forgotten Bond cameo came in 1995's GoldenEye, which starred actress Minnie Driver as songstress Irina. She bagged the role after starring in Circle of Friends, before going on to appear in films such as Good Will Hunting.

2006's Casino Royale starred a few famous faces, including Tobias Menzies, who is known for appearing in the liks of Game of Thrones and The Crown, in which he played Prince Philip. The Bond movie also starred Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, who could be seen flirting up a storm with Bond.

Minnie Driver as singer Irina in the James Bond film 'GoldenEye'.

Minnie Driver as singer Irina in the James Bond film 'GoldenEye'. (Image: Keith Hamshere/Getty Images)

Another Bond classic, 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies, featured a number of well-known stars. Gerard Butler appeared in the film, as well as Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher and Hugh Bonneville, who played an Air Warfare Officer.

Other forgotten Bond cameos include Sammy Davis Jr's role in Diamonds Are Forever. He could be seen playing on the roulette table in the 1971 classic.

There was also Kill Bill's Michael Madsen's appearance in Die Another Day, as well as Joanna Lumley's role in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The role in the 1969 movie marked Joanna's film debut.

Every James Bond actor so far - from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig

James Bond has been portrayed by seven actors in 27 films from 1962 to 2021.

Here's every actor who's played 007 so far

Sean Connery

  • Dr No (1962)
  • From Russia With Love (1963)
  • Goldfinger (1964)
  • You Only Live Twice (1967)
  • Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
  • Never Say Never Again (Non-Eon, 1983)

David Niven

  • Casino Royale (Non-Eon, 1967)

George Lazenby

  • On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

Roger Moore

  • Live and Let Die (1973)
  • The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
  • The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
  • Moonraker (1979)
  • For Your Eyes Only (1981)
  • Octopussy (1983)
  • A View To A Kill (1985)

Timothy Dalton

  • The Living Daylights (1987)
  • Licence To Kill (1989)

Piers Brosnan

  • GoldenEye (1995)
  • Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
  • The World Is Not Enough (1999)
  • Die Another Day (2002)

Daniel Craig

  • Casino Royale (2006)
  • Quantum of Solace (2008)
  • Skyfall (2012)
  • Spectre (2015)
  • No Time To Die (2021)

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