While 007 often steals the show, it’s the unsung heroes and underrated supporting characters who have elevated the James Bond franchise. Making Bond’s success possible, the saga’ supporting characters consistently prove that Bond’s adventures are far more than just one man against the world. Over the years, the Bond universe has introduced an eclectic mix of companions, from the best supporting characters in the Sean Connery movies to Daniel Craig’s closest allies. Most have stayed in the shadows but still played pivotal roles in Bond’s quests.
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It’s not just Bond’s charming enemies and exotic locations. His closest allies and unexpected characters have helped shape the series’ legacy in more ways than one, with James Bond’s closest allies always there to support the spy in moments of peril, providing the backup and expertise to differentiate between life and death. Surprisingly, many of these standout figures don’t always get the recognition they deserve in a franchise that spans decades. Even the weirdest supporting characters in James Bond movies have stood out for their unforgettable impact on the franchise’s world, and without these characters, Bond wouldn’t be the icon he is today.
You are watching: James Bond Movies’ 10 Most Underrated Supporting Characters
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Kerim Bey
From Russia with Love
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Kerim Bey, portrayed by Pedro Armendáriz, heads Station T, MI6’s operations in Istanbul. He becomes one of Bond’s most memorable allies and his charisma and knowledge of the local underworld provide the spy with crucial information and support during his mission. Kerim is no ordinary ally. He offers Bond both wisdom and humor in an otherwise bleak setting. Despite everyday dangers, Kerim remains a steady and reliable figure, showing that even in the flashy world of high-stakes espionage, a little humanity can go a long way.
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His backstory specifically adds layers to his character, and Armendáriz’s performance is even more poignant knowing he was battling terminal cancer during filming. His strength and professionalism made Kerim a character that left a lasting mark on fans. Kerim’s unwavering loyalty and willingness to sacrifice himself for Bond add an emotional layer to the adventure, setting a precedent for the complexity of Bond’s allies.
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Tiger Tanaka
You Only Live Twice
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Tiger Tanaka, portrayed by Tetsurô Tamba, is the head of Japan’s Secret Service. He proves to be an invaluable ally to Bond in You Only Live Twice, and his calm, strategic mind and martial arts skills make him one of Bond’s most capable partners. Tanaka’s wisdom helps guide the spy through the convoluted world of Japanese espionage. His no-nonsense attitude toward danger makes him an unforgettable character, and whether he’s training Bond in hand-to-hand combat or leading him through perilous situations, Tanaka exemplifies the definition of high-stakes loyalty.
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What sets Tanaka apart is his rich cultural background and sense of duty, his dedication to Japan, and his ability to balance that with personal loyalty to Bond makes him a truly exceptional figure in Bond’s world. Tanaka’s relationship with Bond is based on mutual respect and understanding. His role in shaping Bond’s success solidifies him as one of the most significant, yet underrated, supporting characters in the series.
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Marc-Ange Draco
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
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Marc-Ange Draco is the head of the Unione Corse, a powerful Corsican crime syndicate. Draco’s character is a mix of ruthlessness and deep familial love. His desire to protect his daughter, Tracy, drives him to ally with Bond against the forces of SPECTRE, and his willingness to put everything on the line for his family adds a unique emotional depth to Draco’s character.
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Beyond a criminal standpoint, Draco’s portrayal as a man of honor makes him a standout in Bond’s world, with his fierce devotion to Tracy contrasting with his career in organized crime. This duality gives Draco a specific depth that most Bond villains lack, with his eventual emotional involvement in Bond’s mission demonstrating that even the darkest figures can have moments of vulnerability. Overall, this makes Draco an invaluable and layered supporting character of the franchise.
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Valentin Zukovsky
GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough
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Valentin Zukovsky, a former KGB agent turned Russian mafia boss with a colorful personality, possesses deep wit and charm that makes him one of the most memorable allies in Bond’s world. Often oscillating between adversary and reluctant ally, Zukovsky’s casino business and occasional involvement in Bond’s missions add a unique dynamic to the film series, especially with Zukovsky initially introduced as a foe. He slowly becomes a pivotal figure, crucially aiding Bond in his pursuit of global threats.
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What truly makes Zukovsky stand out is his humor and humanity, despite his criminal background as a 007 villain who appeared in multiple movies. The man has a code of honor and is not afraid to make sacrifices, even when the stakes are high. Coltrane’s performance imbues Zukovsky with warmth. His connection with Bond, especially in The World Is Not Enough, cements his role as a trusted, if unpredictable, ally, and his ability to combine menace with humor makes him a fan favorite. Even though his role is often overlooked, Zukovsky is an iconic supporting Bond character.
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Quarrel
Dr. No
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Quarrel, played by John Kitzmiller, is one of Bond’s first true allies. Providing critical assistance to Dr. No, Quarrel’s loyalty and resourcefulness make him an invaluable partner to Bond. Working together to navigate the treacherous waters of Jamaica and uncover Dr. No’s operations, Quarrel, though not given much screen time, shows courage in the face of danger. He inevitably proves that even the most unassuming allies can play key roles in the spy’s success.
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What’s compelling about Quarrel is his unspoken wisdom and loyalty. A fisherman by trade, Quarrel’s unwavering support of Bond during their mission in Jamaica helps Bond stay on track. Despite the ever-present threat of Dr. No, his quiet bravery, although ultimately short-lived, sets the tone for many of the future allies Bond will encounter. This highlights that every small, seemingly insignificant character contributes to the grand scale of Bond’s legendary journey, making ever-so-much of a difference in the protagonist’s overarching pursuit.
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Milos Columbo
For Your Eyes Only
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Milos Columbo is a Greek smuggler and a surprisingly important ally to Bond in For Your Eyes Only, boasting an impressive mix of humor, charm, and willingness to help Bond in the face of danger. This makes him all the more unforgettable, yet he’s often considered one of the more overlooked characters in the Bond series. While initially introduced as a smuggler who has some personal interest in Bond’s mission, Columbo quickly begins to provide Bond with crucial information, taking on the role of an informant and occasional protector.
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What makes Columbo particularly intriguing is his ambiguity as neither a pure hero nor villain, making his character a perfect representation of the morally confusing limbo that Bond commutes through daily. His connections in the criminal underworld are invaluable, and his personal motivations give him depth. With a natural charisma and warmth that bring Columbo to life, what could have been a simple side character was transformed into a lasting impression on For Your Eyes Only.
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Sévérine
Skyfall
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Sévérine, played by Bérénice Marlohe, is one of the more tragic and complicated characters in Skyfall, possessing the pained backstory of a woman trapped by her past. Sévérine’s dark history of being exploited and manipulated adds emotional weight to the film’s plot, as she was once a sex slave. Eventually becoming a reluctant ally to the film’s villain, Raoul Silva, Sévérine’s alliances are born out of necessity. When she eventually meets Bond, she sees a chance for redemption in him. Despite this, her personal demons run free.
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Sévérine’s relationship with Bond is multilayered. Her character is one of the most emotional aspects of the film and her vulnerability and inner strength give her a compelling arc. Marlohe’s portrayal offers depth and complexity rarely seen in Bond’s love interests, and her tragic end is a poignant moment in Skyfall. This cements her as one of the most memorable but tragic supporting characters in the series.
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Pam Bouvier
Licence to Kill
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Pam Bouvier, one of the most badass Bond girls who could take on the role of 007 themselves, is a standout supporting character in Licence to Kill. She proves that Bond’s best allies aren’t always the ones in tuxedos, and as a tough CIA agent and former pilot, Pam holds her own against the world of dangerous cartels and high-stakes espionage. She becomes one of Bond’s most capable and resourceful partners and she’s not just there for emotional support. Pam plays a crucial role in the action, taking on physically demanding tasks and stepping in when Bond needs a partner.
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She’s not defined by her relationship with Bond but by her own character and abilities, making her an early example of the empowered female characters that would later become a more prominent part of the Bond legacy. Pam’s chemistry with Bond is undeniable. However, her story is about more than just supporting the male hero. It’s about her own strength and determination in a world that often sidelines women.
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Charles Robinson
Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day
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Charles Robinson is one of MI6’s most consistent supporting characters. Appearing in multiple Bond films as a liaison between Bond and MI6’s higher-ups, Robinson provides valuable intelligence and backup. He serves as a reliable figure who helps guide Bond through dangerous operations, and his role, though not as prominent as Bond’s immediate allies, is key to understanding the internal workings of MI6. No matter what, his loyalty to Bond is evident throughout his appearances.
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Robinson’s character isn’t just about getting Bond out of tough spots. He adds continuity to the Bond universe and his presence ties together the various eras of Bond’s adventures. From Pierce Brosnan’s tenure to the modern-day style of Daniel Craig’s version, Robinson’s unwavering support of Bond has consistently helped solidify the organization behind the spy and provide a grounded perspective in an otherwise chaotic world.
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Mathis
Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace
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René Mathis, played by Giancarlo Giannini, is one of the most reliable supporting characters in Bond’s world, as well as one of the most charismatic. In both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, Mathis proves himself as not just a fellow agent. He’s a friend to Bond. He helps the spy navigate the emotional and physical turmoil that comes with being a double-O agent. He offers wisdom and practical advice that Bond needs during his early years in the field, and most importantly, his calm demeanor and resourcefulness without a doubt make Mathis one of the franchise’s most lovable supporting roles.
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Mathis’s character is more than just a sidekick in the James Bond franchise. He provides important emotional depth to Bond’s journey and his quiet loyalty and support during the chaos of Bond’s early career help the spy stay focused. His sacrifice in Quantum of Solace illuminates long-scaled importance in Bond’s life. This highlights that some of the most impactful characters in the series aren’t necessarily the ones taking center stage. Mathis is a true reminder that loyalty in the spy world can come from the most unexpected places.
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James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
Created by
Ian Fleming
, Albert R. Broccoli
First Film
Dr. No
Latest Film
No Time to Die
Upcoming Films
James Bond 26
First TV Show
Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
First Episode Air Date
January 29, 2014
Cast
Sean Connery
, George Lazenby
, Roger Moore
, Timothy Dalton
, Pierce Brosnan
, Daniel Craig
TV Show(s)
Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
Character(s)
James Bond
, M (James Bond)
, Q (James Bond)
, Moneypenny
, Felix Leiter
, Jaws
, Goldfinger
Video Game(s)
GoldenEye 007
, The World Is Not Enough
, 007: Nightfire
, James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
, Quantum of Solace
, James Bond 007: From Russia with Love
, James Bond 007: Blood Stone
, GoldenEye 007 Remake
, 007: Agent Under Fire
Summary
The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.
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Category: Entertainment