George Lazenby, 85, Battles Dementia Amid Support from Ex-Wife Pam Shriver

George Lazenby, the renowned Australian actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the 1969 film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," was recently seen in Los Angeles relying on a walker during an outing with a nurse. This sighting comes shortly after his ex-wife, former Wimbledon champion Pam Shriver, publicly revealed that Lazenby, now 85 years old, is grappling with dementia. Shriver, who divorced Lazenby in 2008 after six years of marriage, shared her experiences of caring for him in a heartfelt essay published in "The Telegraph." In her writing, she described Lazenby as still embodying his original spirit, albeit in a softer form, as they navigate this challenging chapter together.

Lazenby, who has faced health challenges in recent years, appeared frail yet managed to smile during his outing. Dressed in a light blue polo and black pants, he was seen leaning on his nurse for support as they walked together down the sidewalk. Shriver's essay highlighted their complicated relationship history, noting a significant turning point earlier this year when Lazenby was nearly trapped during the Los Angeles wildfires. This incident led Shriver to realize the depth of her feelings for him, prompting her to step in as his caregiver as he enters what she describes as the last phase of his life.

The couple first met at Wimbledon in 2000, eventually marrying in 2002 and having three children together. However, their relationship was tumultuous, culminating in a divorce that Shriver described as horrific. Despite this, they have managed to reconcile, primarily due to their shared parenting responsibilities and the need to support one another amid Lazenby's health decline.

Shriver noted that their daily interactions now revolve around walks and conversations about their children, addressing the common anxieties that come with caring for an aging loved one. She remarked on Lazenby's short-term memory issues, which are symptomatic of his dementia, but mentioned that he still shares vivid stories from his past, recalling his early days in London with limited means.

The legacy of Lazenby as Bond remains significant, as he is the only actor to have walked away from the iconic role after just one film. His decision to decline a lucrative seven-film contract reflects his complex relationship with fame and the pressures of the film industry. Lazenby himself remarked in a 2019 interview that he felt he had done his best in the role, stating, "I felt that I had to copy Sean Connery in a sense."

As Lazenby continues to face health challenges, Shriver's commitment to supporting him during this difficult time highlights the enduring bonds that can exist even after a relationship has ended. Their journey reflects broader themes of love, memory, and the complexities of human connections, especially as one navigates the challenges associated with dementia. The future remains uncertain, but both Lazenby and Shriver are dedicated to making the most of their time together, cherishing the moments they share as they confront the realities of aging and health decline together.