30 Interesting Facts about James Bond

Sean Connery wore a hairpiece for every James Bond movie, as he began balding at the age of 21.

2. Unlike James Bond, real MI6 agents don't need a license to kill because everything they do outside the UK is already illegal. The UK spy agency makes Bond-like gadgets for operatives but, as one said after retiring, they "frequently fail to work upon arrival at our destination".

3. Actors who play James Bond "give away their rights to wear a tuxedo in any other film" and that this was circumvented by Pierce Brosnan in the movie The Thomas Crown Affair by wearing an unbuttoned shirt and a white bow-tie which wasn't tied around his neck.

4. The Day of the Dead was not celebrated with a parade in Mexico city till Mexican tourism officials were inspired by the opening scene of the James Bond film, Spectre.

5. Michael Caine once held Sean Connery’s coat while the James Bond star single-handedly beat up 4 men in a nightclub.

Jack White of the White Stripes was saving Seven Nation Army's guitar riff in case he got asked to do a James Bond theme (Quantum of Solace).

7. Sean Connery was once stopped for speeding by an officer named Sergeant James Bond.

8. At the special screening of the James Bond movie 'Spectre' at the MI6 building in Vauxhall Cross, the real MI6 staff cheered when the building was blown up in the movie.

9. The real James Bond was actually an Ornithologist. When asked by Ian Fleming if it was okay to use his name he replied simply: "Fine With It."

10. The British Secret Service (James Bond's employer) really can issue a "license to kill". It's called a Class Seven authorization and must be approved by the MI6 agent's superiors all the way up to the Foreign Minister.

George Lazenby wasn't an actual actor. He got himself a suit, a Rolex, and a new haircut then met with the producer and made up movies he had been in. He later landed the role of James Bond.

12. President John F. Kennedy was a huge James Bond fan. He viewed an early print of 'From Russia with Love' at the White House on November 21st, 1963. It was the last film he ever saw. He was killed the next day in Dallas.

13. For his time as James Bond, Daniel Craig has the privilege of taking any Aston Martin from the factory for the rest of his life.

14. Daniel Craig finished writing the Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" because of the 2008 Writers Strike. Also, it has absolutely nothing at all in common with the short story it gets its name from.

15. Quentin Tarantino was offered to direct 'Casino Royale' with the film set in the 50's, make it in black and white and retain Pierce Brosnan as Bond.

Adam West, Clint Eastwood, and Burt Reynolds were all offered the role of James Bond, and all declined, believing James Bond should always be played by a British actor.

17. Christian Bale turned down the role of James Bond, saying "I've already played a serial killer."

18. The scene in Skyfall where Daniel Craig is shaved with a straight razor led to a 400% increase in straight edge razor sales.

19. James Bond villain American actor Yaphet Kotto has expressed that the spy should not be played by a black man, saying “Political correctness be damned, we have to stay with what is literally correct. These roles are not written for black men" and "We have pens to create roles that no one else has established.”

20. Liam Neeson turned down playing James Bond in 1995 because "he has never been interested in starring in action movies."

The fight scene on top of a train in Skyfall was actually filmed on top of a real moving train, and Daniel Craig did not use a stunt double.

22. When questioned about his terminal cancer and impending death, musician, Warren Zevon stated, "I just want to live long enough to see the next James Bond movie." He achieved this goal and lived long enough to see the ironically named "Die Another Day".

23. Roald Dahl, author of "James and the Giant Peach" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", wrote the screenplay for the James Bond movie, "You Only Live Twice".

24. The literary character James Bond (whom the movies are based off) has an average intake of 60 custom-made cigarettes a day.

25. The infamous crocodile jump by James Bond in 'Live and Let Die' was performed with real crocodiles. The only person willing to attempt the stunt was the owner (Ross Kananga) of the croc farm. Writers named the film's villain after the owner, Kanaga.