George Lazenby is living with early-stage dementia

George Lazenby has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia, a condition that has quietly reshaped his world.

But through the fog of memory loss and physical decline, one constant has emerged — love. Specifically, the love and support of his ex-wife, tennis legend Pam Shriver, who has stepped up to become a daily presence in his life.

Lazenby’s cognitive decline sped up after a fall in December 2023. This fall caused a brain injury and led to hospitalisation. He soon retired from public life and moved into a memory care facility in Pacific Palisades, California.

In a heartfelt first-person essay, Pam shared the truths about George's condition. She also revealed how it has surprisingly brought them closer together.

"George is 85 now, and he has dementia, but he is still very much himself. A softer version of himself, perhaps, with a shorter memory, but fundamentally George", she penned.

Though he now struggles to remember what he had for breakfast or what day it is, Shriver says he still recognises her and engages with joy and warmth. His long-term memory remains mostly intact. He still talks about their children and his love of cars with affection.

"He'll see a flashy sports car on TV and say: 'I'd still love to drive that', even though he can’t drive anymore".

Pam also reflected on how dementia has changed George’s emotional landscape. In his youth, he was known for being fiercely independent and occasionally emotionally distant. But the illness has shown a gentler side of him.

"Growing up in 1950s small-town Australia, he learnt to be independent, to tough things out, to be witheringly direct. Only recently — possibly in part due to his dementia — has he truly mellowed".

Despite their past differences, Pam described a powerful reconciliation in recent years.

"We say 'I love you' every time we hang up the phone. He doesn't always remember what day it is or where I've gone, but he knows I'm there. He knows I love him. As George enters the last phase of his life, I just want to extend this late period of reconciliation and renewal for as long as possible".

Their current routine is simple but meaningful. They watch old sports broadcasts, take short walks, and talk about family. He finds comfort in routine and familiarity, and Shriver provides both with quiet grace.

"Even in that moment, when things were chaotic, George remained calm. I held his hand and reassured him. And he trusted me. He's not just the man who played Bond. He's a father, a friend, and someone who's shown incredible strength even in decline".

For Bond Fans Only wishes George well.

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