Who Is Desmond Llewelyn? Age, Biography and Wiki
Desmond Llewelyn was born on September 12, 1914. This makes him 111 years old as of 2025, a testament to his enduring legacy in the film industry, despite having passed away in 1999. He is best known for portraying Q in the James Bond films from 1963 to 1999, appearing in 17 installments of the franchise. His innovative gadgets and witty banter became synonymous with the character, earning him a special place in cinematic history.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1914 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Newport, Wales |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 19 December, 1999 |
| Died Place | Eastbourne, England |
Popularity
Desmond Llewelyn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Desmond Llewelyn stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. He maintained a distinctive gentlemanly physique, weighing around 150 lbs (68 kg) during his acting career. Though precise measurements are not readily available, Llewelyn was known for his charming presence onscreen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Desmond Llewelyn was married to his wife, Gwynne, until her untimely death in 1998. They had two children together. His long-standing marriage reflects his commitment to family values, and while there was much speculation about his relationships in the acting world, Llewelyn remained a devoted husband throughout his life.
Desmond's father was a coal mining engineer, who notably purchased the first Bentley production automobile, a Bentley 3-litre from W. O. Bentley in 1921. His paternal grandfather, Llewelyn Llewelyn of Kings Hill was the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire as well as General Manager of the Powell-Dyffryn Steam Coal Company.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Desmond Llewelyn's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. While this figure may seem modest compared to some contemporary actors, it's important to note Llewelyn's contribution to a uniquely beloved franchise that contributed immense value to his career. His earnings varied throughout his life, influenced by the popularity of the James Bond series and his other theatrical endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Desmond Llewelyn's career began in the 1940s, but it was his role as Q that catapulted him to international fame. He made his debut as the character in "From Russia with Love" (1963) and played Q in every Bond film until "The World Is Not Enough" (1999). Llewelyn's business acumen led him to invest in various theatrical projects and ventures that showcased his passion for the arts. His work extended beyond acting into writing and producing, highlighting his multifaceted talent.
Llewelyn's nascent acting career was paused by the outbreak of war in 1939, when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
In 1940 his unit was engaged in fighting an entire Panzer division for several days near the French city of Lille, but they were overrun in attempting to retreat to Dunkirk, and Llewelyn was captured.
He spent the remainder of the war in prisoner of war camps, first at Laufen, before he was transferred to Colditz Castle (Oflag IV-C) following his attempted escape from Laufen by tunnelling out. Llewelyn remained imprisoned at Colditz until it was liberated by Allied forces in 1945.
Social Network
Although Desmond Llewelyn's social media presence was nonexistent during his lifetime, his legacy lives on in the digital age through fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to his work. The impact of his portrayal of Q can also be witnessed in various articles, forums, and discussions among Bond enthusiasts.
Although Llewelyn became one of British cinema's most recognisable characters and an important and long-standing element in the 'Bond' franchise, 'Q' did not make Llewelyn rich—the actor was merely paid 'by the day' for his few hours of work on-set and did not share in the money made by the films.
Nevertheless, because Llewelyn was considered one of the franchise's major institutions and also immensely popular among Bond fans, Llewelyn starred in several commercials, including ones to promote the video games GoldenEye 007 and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Education
Desmond Llewelyn pursued his education in drama and the performing arts, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He was a graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he honed his craft and prepared for a life in the theater. However, specific details of his academic achievements remain less documented, as his focus was primarily on his extensive acting career.
While Llewelyn originally wanted to be a minister, he became involved in theatrical productions during his education at Radley College. Initially working as a stagehand, he was encouraged to take on more acting roles by his fellow pupil Dennis Price.
During his education, Llewelyn gained renown as a skilled sportsman, particularly as a rugby player and he remained a fan of the game throughout his life. The young Llewelyn would play rugby for Newport RFC and can be seen wearing the club tie in The Living Daylights as well as that of Malpas Cricket Club in Octopussy.
Conclusion
Desmond Llewelyn's legacy transcends the years, standing as a beacon for aspiring actors and a cherished memory for Bond fans around the world. His contributions to cinema will continue to be celebrated long into the future, with his timeless performances remaining relevant and adored.
