Priscilla Barnes (Della Leiter in Licence to Kill) and Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter in Casino Royale & Quantum of Solace) are celebrating their 54th and 44th birthdays, respectively, today and all of us here at FelixLeiter.com would like to wish them a wonderful happy birthday!
Happy 54th Birthday, Priscilla Barnes!
Most people know Priscilla Barnes from her stint as Terri Alden on Three’s Company but Bond fans know her as Della Churchill, Felix Leiter’s bride in 1989′s Licence to Kill. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the International Sports and Entertainment Festival in Cleveland, Ohio in June 2006. She’s very nice and I’ll never forgot the joke she played on me.
After autographing a picture of her as Della for me, she asked, “Would you like a condom?” I was shocked, speechless and probably turned a little red. Is Priscilla Barnes advocating safe sex or does she want me to play the role of Felix in her hotel room later on? I thought. She then pulled out plastic protection in the form of a slipcase for the picture she had just signed! Make sure to visit her if she ever comes to a convention in your town because she’s awesome.
Happy 44th Birthday, Jeffrey Wright!
After being absent from the big screen for 17 years, Felix Leiter returned in 2006′s Casino Royale in the form of Jeffrey Wright. Before Jeffrey Wright was cast, I was against the notion of an African American actor playing Felix Leiter onscreen and had never liked Bernie Casey being cast in the role in Never Say Never Again (1983).
To my surprise, I was indifferent to Wright’s cast; I figured I’d give him a chance since Eon Productions had never let me down before. When I saw Casino Royale for the first time, I was blown away by Wright’s performance. Not since Jack Lord had the character been so cool! I enjoyed Wright’s portrayal and lines so much that he immediately became my favorite cinematic Felix Leiter. Leiter is supposed to be the United States’ version of James Bond and Wright’s portrayal definitely lives up to that expectation. I hope he stays in the role for many years to come (or at least as long as Daniel Craig plays 007).
Doug Rutti
08.16.2011 @ 7:52 pm
Chris, I finally got on your website. I still remember my father taking me to the theater when I was in seventh grade to see “Goldfinger.” What an impresssion that movie had on me, wondering what it would be like being James Bond. Sean Connery was the hero of many of the young guys back in the sixties. I immediately bought and collected all thirteen of Ian Fleming’s original Bond books in paperback.
Keep your passion up, you’re a sharp young guy with a promising future. Keep your training and focus up, and maybe you’ll be in the C.I.A. someday.
Doug Rutti ~ Cleveland Street Philosopher and Poet
The Rich Man has the Luxury of a full Deck. . .
The Poor Man has to play the few cards he gets.
