<P> American actor Barry Nelson was the first to portray Bond on screen , in a 1954 television adaptation , `` Casino Royale '' . In 1961 Eon Productions began work on Dr. No , an adaptation of the novel of the same name . The result was a film that spawned a series of twenty - four films produced by Eon Productions and two independent films . After considering the likes of `` refined '' English actors such as Cary Grant and David Niven , the producers cast Sean Connery as Bond in the film . Fleming was appalled at the selection of the uncouth , 31 - year - old Scottish actor , considering him to be the antithesis of his character . However , Connery 's physical prowess and sexual magnetism in the role came to be closely identified with the character , with Fleming ultimately changing his view on Connery and incorporating aspects of his portrayal into the books . </P>
<P> American actor Barry Nelson was the first to portray Bond on screen , in a 1954 television adaptation , `` Casino Royale '' . In 1961 Eon Productions began work on Dr. No , an adaptation of the novel of the same name . The result was a film that spawned a series of twenty - four films produced by Eon Productions and two independent films . After considering the likes of `` refined '' English actors such as Cary Grant and David Niven , the producers cast Sean Connery as Bond in the film . Fleming was appalled at the selection of the uncouth , 31 - year - old Scottish actor , considering him to be the antithesis of his character . However , Connery 's physical prowess and sexual magnetism in the role came to be closely identified with the character , with Fleming ultimately changing his view on Connery and incorporating aspects of his portrayal into the books . </P>
who was the first actor to play the role of james bond on screen
who was the first actor to play the role of james bond on screen
American actor Barry Nelson
American actor Barry Nelson