To make a successful Bond film, you need a few things—the classic protagonist, a stylish Aston Martin, a slew of spy gadgets, a villain and some henchmen, a few vodka martinis and a “Bond Girl.” For the past 50-plus years, a string of beautiful women have taken on the role of a James Bond love interest or sidekick—some more memorable than others.
Here are just a few of the women who have contributed to the long-standing success of the 007 film franchise.
Sylvia Trench
It all started in 1962 with Dr. No, when James Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent. Bond first meets Sylvia Trench (Eunice Gayson) during a baccarat game. In this infamous scene, viewers first hear the signature phrase “Bond, James Bond” as he introduces himself. She replies “Trench, Sylvia Trench” and earns her place as the first Bond Girl.
Honey Ryder
Also introduced in Dr. No, Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) becomes what we think of today as the quintessential Bond Girl. The iconic scene when she emerges from the sea in a white bikini, singing and carrying two large seashells caused sales of two-piece swimsuits to skyrocket. Halle Berry emulated this scene as Jinx Johnson in 2002’s Die Another Day.
Pussy Galore
In 1964’s Goldfinger, viewers meet Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman), the first of many characters in the franchise with unforgettable double entendres for names. After being knocked out with a tranquilizer gun, Bond wakes up to the stunning visage of Pussy Galore, much to his disbelief. Bond turns her against her villainous employer in short order and together they foil Goldfinger’s plan.
Tracy Bond
Born Teresa Draco into a powerful crime family and widowed Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, Tracy (Diana Rigg), as she prefers to be called, attempts suicide in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Bond (George Lazenby) saves her from drowning and later proposes marriage. Tracy Bond notably becomes the first woman to officially marry Bond, excluding a fake marriage in 1967’s You Only Live Twice.
Anya Amasova
Also known as Agent XXX, Major Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) is a KGB agent in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me. Bond (Roger Moore) first encounters Anya Amasova in Egypt when her thugs try to kill him for supposedly murdering her husband. He didn’t and they reluctantly join forces to track the true assassin called Jaws. Though constantly trying to outdo each other, their rivalry turns to affection and eventually love.
