Bruce Glover’s Surprising James Bond Memory—And How Roger Moore Praised His Comic Genius!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Bruce Glover, the iconic character actor who left a lasting mark on cinema with his portrayal of the assassin Mr. Wint in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 92. Glover, known for his extensive career in both film and television, shared his unforgettable memories of working on the Bond film in a series of interviews, reflecting on what stood out most from his time alongside Sean Connery’s legendary James Bond.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Glover’s career spanned over six decades, with notable roles in Chinatown (1974), Walking Tall (1973), Hard Times (1975), and appearances in classic television shows like Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible. While Glover enjoyed a long and varied career, his portrayal of Mr. Wint in Diamonds Are Forever remains one of his most famous roles. In the film, Glover played half of the flamboyant assassin duo, alongside Putter Smith as Mr. Kidd, contributing a campy and darkly comedic element to the movie.
In a 2019 interview with The Original Van Gogh’s Ear Anthology, Glover reflected on his role, particularly a memorable scene that became one of the standout moments of the film. The scene, which involved Bond (played by Sean Connery) delivering a final, comically sexual act toward Glover’s Mr. Wint, was one of the biggest laughs in the movie, according to Glover. He recounted, “The final moment in the film where Sean Connery does that rude thing pushing the hooha up my yaha and giving that character his final great sexual moment is the biggest laugh in the movie.” He also shared that he received compliments about the scene from Sir Roger Moore, the future James Bond, who called it the funniest Bond moment ever. This recognition from Moore, Glover noted, meant a great deal to him.
The campy nature of Glover’s Mr. Wint and his partner Mr. Kidd, both flamboyant and humorously sinister, added a unique layer to Diamonds Are Forever. Their characters, who were responsible for a series of bizarre murders, including killing a dentist with a scorpion and blowing up a helicopter, were not only memorable for their violence but also for their distinctiveness in a Bond film. The duo’s death on a cruise ship, which was facilitated by Bond, marked the culmination of their over-the-top antics. Glover’s focus on the humor in the final scene underscored how his portrayal of Mr. Wint balanced the menacing with the absurd, adding a lasting comedic imprint on the film.
In his reflection on the film, Glover revealed that the humor he brought to the role was a deliberate choice, consistent with his approach to acting, writing, and painting. He always aimed to create “unusual” characters and moments that would stand out. This philosophy contributed to his success in bringing Mr. Wint to life in a way that resonated with audiences and fellow actors alike. The humorous, offbeat tone of Diamonds Are Forever allowed Glover to craft a role that was both menacing and memorable, one that still draws attention decades after the film’s release.
Though Glover’s contributions to the Bond universe are often overshadowed by the larger-than-life presence of Connery, his portrayal of Mr. Wint remains a defining moment in the film. As he recalled in his 2019 interview, the recognition from fellow actors like Moore added a layer of validation to his performance, cementing his place in Bond history.
Bruce Glover’s reflections on his time working in the Bond franchise provide a window into the actor’s unique approach to his craft. Through his combination of humor, flamboyance, and menace, Glover’s Mr. Wint remains a character who will continue to be remembered fondly by Bond fans for years to come. His death marks the end of an era for a prolific actor whose contributions to cinema, particularly in Diamonds Are Forever, have left an indelible mark.