Joseph Wiseman, who played the very first Bond villain in Dr. No opposite Sean Connery’s 007, has passed away aged 92. Although the eponymous character in Dr. No was by far his most famous screen role, the Canadian born actor also appeared with Marlon Brando in Viva Zapata and Burt Lancaster in The Unforgiven, amongst other movie roles.
Along with his film work, Wiseman had numerous guest roles in TV series including The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, Buck Rogers, The A-Team, and L.A. Law, as well as appearing in most of the episodes of Michael Mann’s Crime Story. However despite his stage and screen work, Wiseman’s first love was always the theatre, and he starred in a large range of acclaimed Broadway productions, from Anthony and Cleopatra to King lear.
His daughter, Martha Graham Wiseman, told the LA Times that in his later life he viewed his role in Dr. No with great disdain. “He was horrified… because that’s what he was remembered for. Stage acting was what he wanted to be remembered for.” He had apparently only taken the role thinking it would be “another grade-B Charlie Chan mystery”, not realising how successful it would become, or that it would eventually be the main thing he was associated with.
Wiseman had been in declining health for a while, and was also mourning his second wife, who’d died in February.
Although he may not have likes the role, playing Dr. Julius No will ensure millions will continur to enjoy his work for years to come. despite his passing.