Monday, October 1, 2007

In Memoriam: Lois Maxwell

Canadian-born actress Lois Maxwell, who was the definitive Miss Moneypenny in many James Bond films, has passed away at age 80. She had been battling cancer. Maxwell, was the demure foil to Bond's suave rake in 14 films from 1962's "Dr. No" to 1985's "A View to a Kill." In the Bond films, Moneypenny (as secretary to Bond's chief M in British intelligence) has a flirtatious relationship with the spy, evidently attracted to him but never succumbing to his advances. It was a role to which Maxwell gave a bantering edge that is missing in Ian Fleming's novels. Although officially her character's first name was Jane, Moneypenny is referred to only by her last name or a diminutive of it -- Penny.

Maxwell became close friends with Roger Moore, who succeeded Sean Connery as Bond in 1973. "She was a very fine actress and had a great sense of humor," Moore told BBC television on Sunday.

2 comments:

Eddie said...

I share your admiration with certain women you have mentioned, namely Lois Maxwell and Keeley Hazel.

Chuck Wells said...

Blondes are great, but brunettes have always been my preference.