The James Bond Men: Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig

Created by writer Ian Fleming, the James Bond series has gone on to become a successful franchise with films, television shows, novels, comic strips and video games based on the smooth yet fictional British Secret Service Agent. But, it's not only James Bond's guns and gadgets that form a huge part of his character and of course his ability to take care of the bad guys, but also his effortless charm that draws beautiful women to him. Here's a look at some of the actors who have brought James Bond to life over the years:

Sir Sean Connery: He was the first actor to play James Bond in terms of cinema in the film, 'Dr. No' which was based on Ian Fleming's 1958 novel, by the same name. Producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman narrowed in on the actor for their final choice, owning to the machoism he portrayed during their meeting with him. It is said that director Terence Young took Sean Connery to his tailor and hairdresser, later introducing him to the life of high-end restaurants, casinos and women in London. 'Dr. No' became a huge success due to Connery's onscreen style and the actor later went on to play James Bond four more times in 'From Russia with Love', 'Goldfinger,Thunderball' and 'You Only Live Twice', before temporarily retiring from the role. After a two year break, Sean Connery reprised his role as James Bond for 1971 film, 'Diamonds Are Forever'.

George Lazenby: During Sean Connery's brief break from the series, the producers cast Australian model, George Lazenby, who was the highest paid model at the time. He played James Bond in the 1969 film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' when he was 29. Though the film was not as lucrative as the previous one, 'You Only Live Twice', 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' was still one of the top performing films of the year. However, Lazenby decided he would only play James Bone once and backed out of a seven-year contract to do more Bond films.

Roger Moore: After 'Diamonds Are Forever', the makers of James Bond were on the look out for a new actor. Moore, who was one of the top candidates, played the quintessential James Bond for 12 years, starring in films - 'Live and Let Die', 'The Man with the Golden Gun', 'The Spy Who Loved Me', 'Moonraker', 'For Your Eyes Only', 'Octopussy', and 'A View to a Kill'. Moore's version of Bond was different from Ian Fleming, and was seen as a more comical character.

Timothy Dalton: Roger Moore then passed on the torch to Welsh stage and screen actor Timothy Dalton who appeared in two films, 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence to Kill'. Dalton's portrayal of Bond was said to be very close to Ian Fleming's version, however, it received mixed responses. He then left the series due to legal reason.

Pierce Brosnan: Initially, the actor was to play James Bond in 1986 after his hit TV series 'Remington Steele' had ended. But, the series was brought back by popular demand and Dalton was asked to play Bond. Pierce finally played 007 in 1995 film, 'GoldenEye'. Brosnan was a hit, and some said that the actor was the best Bond since Connery. Brosnan played Bond three more times: 'Tomorrow Never Dies', 'The World Is Not Enough' and 'Die Another Day'. However, Pierce Brosnan was reportedly fired from the role prior to his fifth film as Bond.

Daniel Craig: And finally, we have the current James Bond actor, Daniel Craig who appeared in 'Casino Royale', 'Quantum of Solace', 'Skyfall' and the most recent release, 'Spectre'. Craig is the first blond actor to play Bond and the second English man to reprise the role.