Here's How Much Each Bond Actor Earned From Their Time As 007 (2024)

Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels encapsulated everything that a man could possibly desire in the male-dominated 1950s and '60s: an exciting job, encounters with mysterious beautiful women, ridiculously overpriced cars, and all for the love of their duty to Queen and country. Now, who wouldn’t want a job like that? As his novels became bestsellers and were subsequently adapted for the big screen, the films packed audiences throughout the world. James Bond, although regarded as chaunainstic now, has evolved to adapt to the times, and is still enthralling and thrilling at once.

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From the burly and hirsute Sean Connery to the rather controversially blond Daniel Craig, Bond actors are handsomely remunerated for taking on the legendary role. But the salaries of Bond actors have increased significantly through the years. Here's how much each Bond actor earned from their time as 007.

7 Sean Connery Earned Over $6.6 Million

The slightly shaken but never stirred Sean Connery earned a colossal salary as James Bond. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he earned $16,000 for Dr. No, $154,000 for From Russia with Love, $500,000 for Goldfinger, around $750,000 for Thunderball, around $1 million for You Only Live Twice, $1.25 million for Diamonds Are Forever, and $3 million for Never Say Never Again. This brings his total Bond earnings up to a jaw-dropping $6.6 million.

However, he actually ended up giving his Bond salary away, so he wasn't as filthy rich as one would assume.

6 David Niven Earned Around $1 Million

Classy gent David Niven played Bond just once in 1967 spy parody movie Casino Royale, which is loosely based on Ian Fleming's first instalment of the 007 series. Of the film's $12 million budget, the cast comprised of $3 million. It is not known exactly how much Niven earned for the role, but the lead actors' salary typically makes up 9% of the entire movie budget, which means Niven made around $1 million for his comical depiction of the secret agent.

5 George Lazenby Earned $80,500

George Lazenby only ever played Bond once, in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. He earned $80,500 for the role, which is significantly less than the salaries of his 007 peers.

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Feeling overwhelmed by the demanding role, Lazenby decided to quit the franchise before the movie was even released. We can't help but wonder if that was an unwise decision considering how much money his successors would rake in...

4 Roger Moore Earned $24.3 Million

The ever charming Roger Moore may have quit Bond in his prime, but he provided fans with some truly unforgettable films during his stint as 007. Plus, he made a hefty amount of cash to boot. According to a breakdown by The Richest, he earned $1 million for Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, and The Spy Who Loved Me.

Then, he upped his salary and earned $4 million for Moonraker, $4.6 for For Your Eyes Only, and $5.2 for Octopuss*. In his final instalment as Bond, Moore took home an impressive $7.5 for A View to a Kill. This brings his total earnings up to an incredible $24.3 million.

3 Timothy Dalton Earned $8 Million

The dapper Timothy Dalton only played James Bond twice, but he was lucky enough to increase his bank balance considerably with the role. He earned $3 million for his first outing as 007 in The Living Daylights and received $5 million for Licence to Kill. This brings his total salary to $8 million, which isn't bad at all for just 2 movies.

2 Pierce Brosnan Earned $41.1 million

Charming Irishman Pierce Brosnan was the perfect casting choice for James Bond. In addition to having the elegance and poise for the part, he bestowed the character with some much needed humor via his cheeky wit.

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Subsequently, he was handsomely rewarded for his Bond stints. He earned $4 million for GoldenEye and $8.2 million for Tomorrow Never Dies. But it was for his final two Bond flicks that he truly raked in the big bucks. Brosnan took home a colossal $12.4 for The World Is Not Enough and an equally impressive $16.5 for Die Another Day. In total, his Bond salary was a gargantuan $41.1 million.

1 Daniel Craig Earned $85.4 Million

We may not know who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond, but one thing is certain: his successor's salary will be huge. As Bond, Craig has modernized the spy and his films have generally moved away from the male chauvanism of earlier outputs. Subsequently, the role has seen him become filthy rich.

Accoridng to Celebrity Net Worth, Craig took home $3.2 for his debut as 007 in Casino Royale, $7.2 for Quantum of Solace, $20 million for Skyfall, $30 million for Spectre, and $25 million for No Time to Die. This comes to a whopping $85.4 million. And yet, his kids won't see a penny of it...

Next: The Real Reason David Bowie Didn't Play A Bond Villain