Former Bond girl Gloria Hendry made a rare public appearance, with the 77-year-old actress spotted wearing a brown and black top with black leggings and comfortable slip-on shoes while running errands near her Las Vegas home, the Daily Mail reports.
Hendry starred in the film “Live and Let Die” alongside Roger Moore and became Bond’s first African American love interest. Trina Parks, who played “Thumper” in the film “Diamonds Are Forever,” is considered the first Black Bond girl, but played his nemesis rather than a love interest.
Before landing this role, she was a Playboy Bunny at the New York Playboy Club from 1965 until 1972. She also made appearances in Black Belt Jones (1974), Savage Sisters (1974), Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994), and Freaky Deaky (2012). However, for the most part, she has kept a low profile following her role in “Live and Let Die.”
Roger Moore Opened Up About Scene With Gloria Hendry In His Memoir
In his memoir, which was released in October 2008, Moore opened up about starring alongside Hendry and the chemistry the two had in the movie. Specifically, he talked about how it was tough for his wife Luisa Mattioli.
“As Bond, I make love to Rosie Carver, played by the beautiful black actress Gloria Hendry, and my wife Luisa has learned from certain Louisiana ladies that if there is a scene like that they won’t go to see the picture,” he wrote, as reported by the Daily Mail. “I personally don’t give a damn, and it makes me all the more determined to play the scene.”
Gloria Hendry Talked About How Bond Films Can Further Diversify During 2015 Interview
GettyIn 2015, Hendry was joined by Parks, Halle Berry, and Naomie Harris who spoke at the Black Women of Bond Tribute.
And afterwards, the iconic actresses took a moment to speak with Variety about the James Bond franchise, in which Hendry pointed out that, at the time, there had only been five black actresses.
“That’s not a good thing, for only five of us to have been a part of (Bond),” she said.
Hendry then said that she’s certainly in favor of there being a female Bond… and she knows exactly who should claim that role.
Her pick: Halle Berry.
“I think that would be very interesting, and I’ll play her henchman!,” Hendry added.
She also said that she would like to see British actors David Oyelowo and Idris Elba earn the title of 007.
