Ursula Andress Biography
Ursula Andress was a Swiss/German actress and sex symbol who rose to fame in the 1960s. She was born on March 19, 1936 in Ostermundigen, Switzerland.
Andress’ mother was German, while her father was a Swiss diplomat. She spent her early years traveling around Europe with her family, and as a result, she was fluent in several languages, including English, German, French, and Italian.
After leaving school, Ursulla Andress went to Paris to study art, then went to Rome, where she did some nannying. In 1955, when she was 19, she moved to Hollywood, California.
After arriving there, Andress had relationships with Hollywood stars Dennis Hopper and James Dean. She also had an affair that year with actor/director John Derek, who left his wife Pati Behrs and children to be together with the then 19-year-old Andress. They ended up marrying.
Andress struggled to get any acting work at first, but got her big break in the James Bond film Dr. No. Her character was the first main Bond girl Honey Ryder. And her entrance where she emerges from the sea in a white bikini, has become one of the most iconic moments in film history and immediately cemented her status as a sex symbol.
After Dr. No, Ursula Andress became a sex symbol and she appeared in a number of films, including Fun in Acapulco (1963) with Elvis Presley. This led to rumours that Andress and Elvis were getting together, despite The King already being with his future wife Priscilla.
Other films included Bond parody Casino Royale (1967 version, not Bond 21),and Clash of the Titans, alongside her long time lover, Harry Hamlin. In 1980, the two had a child, Dimitri Hamlin.
Andress also starred in the Italian comedy Anyone Can Play (1968) alongside fellow Bond girl Claudine Auger.
In addition to her acting career, Andress was also known for her beauty and style. She was often described as one of the most beautiful women in the world, and she graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue and Femme.
Since the 1980s, she has appeared in less movies. Her last role was in 2005 in St. Francis Birds Tour starring as a Madonna. She hasn’t officially retired, but the 86 year old has moved from the US and now lives in Rome and Swiss town Gstaad.
Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Popular Culture
Selection of Ursula Andress Pics
Ursula Andress FAQs
How old was Ursula Andress in Dr. No?
She was 26 years old when she appeared in the 1962 film Dr. No as Honey Ryder.
How old is Ursula Andress?
Born on March 19, 1936, she is currently 87 years old.
Where is Ursula Andress from?
She is Swiss/German. Andress was born in Ostermundigen, Switzerland, and has German on her mother’s side.
What was Ursula Andress’ breakthrough role?
Her breakthrough role was as Honey Ryder in the 1962 film Dr. No, the first-ever James Bond movie. This movie propelled her to sex symbol status and led to many more big films.
Did Ursula Andress star in any other James Bond films?
No, she only appeared in one James Bond film, Dr. No.
Who were some of Ursula Andress’ other notable co-stars?
Apart from Elvis Presley in Fun in Acapulco, Ursula Andress also co-starred with notable actors like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Peter Sellers in various films.
What was Ursula Andress’ background before acting?
Ursula Andress initially worked as a model in Rome before pursuing her acting career.
Did Ursula Andress win any awards for her acting?
Yes, she won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in 1964 for her role in Dr. No. She also won the Almería Tierra de Cine Award in 2003, and in 2019 she won a CinEuphoria Career Honorary Award.
Was Ursula Andress married?
She was married to actor and director John Derek from 1957 to 1966. She was with Harry Hamlin for 15 years, but they never married.
Did Ursula Andress have any children?
Yes, she has a son named Dimitri Hamlin, who was born in 1980. Dimitri’s father is American actor Harry Hamlin.
