The men who played Bond

The select few: A look at the men who have played the suave, Martini-sipping British spy, James Bond. Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery was the first Bond on the big screen. He started his bond with Bond with the film Dr. No in 1962. He went on to star in seven Bond films after, including From Russia With Love (1963) and Diamonds are Forever (1971).

With love from Australia: An Australian actor, George Lazenby, was perhaps not the best choice as a British spy. His portrayal of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) is one of the most controversial till date.

Old is gold: Sir Roger Moore was in the Bond circuit for twelve years - starting with Live and Let Die in 1973 till A View to Kill in 1985. He was the oldest actor to play the role, as he was 45 when he first became Bond, and 58 when he finally gave up the role.

Back to Bond, James Bond: While Sir Roger emphasised the light-hearted, playboy aspect of James Bond's personality, his successor, Timothy Dalton went back to the dark, somewhat stiff character as was written by Ian Fleming. Dalton played Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989).

In and out: Pierce Brosnan was to take over as Bond from Roger Moore, but his then contract requirements prevented it. He first played Bond in Golden Eye in 1995, and gained much approval, especially over his immediate predecessor Timothy Dalton. He then went on to appear in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). Reports say that he wanted to continue playing Bond, but he was replaced by Daniel Craig in 2006.

Current Bond: The latest Bond on the block is Daniel Craig, who first appeared in Casino Royale in 2006. He is all set to appear in the next Bond film Quantum of Solace. Let's hope the coolest man in the world can keep his limbs intact till the film releases.

The first Bond: Sean Connery was not the first actor to play James Bond, at least not technically. Barry Nelson played Jimmy Bond on a television show called Climax. The episode was an adaptation of Casino Royale.

First choice: Writer Ian Fleming was not too pleased with the selection of Sean Connery as the first James Bond. His choice was an actor called David Niven. EON, the production house, picked Connery, leading Niven to star in a James Bond spoof on Casino Royale in 1967. The film also starred Deborah Kerr and Barbara Bouchet.