Did America ever manage to create its own James Bond? This episode traces Hollywood’s long hunt for an American James Bond, with historian Alan J. Porter. Long before Sean Connery picked up a Walther PPK, an American actor played Bond first. His name was Barry Nelson, and he showed up on live TV, not the movie screen. We explore how that happened, and why almost nobody remembers it today.

Alan Porter wrote James Bond: The History of the Illustrated 007. He also hosts On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Podcast. He joins us to unpack the strange story behind Casino Royale ’54. We also dig into Hollywood’s decades-long attempt to build its own 007. From Derek Flint to Jason Bourne to Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, American studios keep trying to build a rival for Bond. Does any character actually come close? We compare their style, charisma, and mythology to the real thing.

Alan shares two surprising figures nicknamed the American James Bond. One was a real Cold War-era CIA agent. The other is a modern TV action hero. Plus, we preview Alan’s upcoming book, Too Many Bonds: The Making of Casino Royale ’67. We also talk about his work with the Ian Fleming Foundation.

So did America ever truly crack the code on its own 007? Press play and find out.

Episode Highlights

Meet Barry Nelson, the first actor ever to play James Bond, and he was American.
Uncover the wild true story behind the 1954 live TV version of Casino Royale.
Compare Hollywood’s would-be Bonds, from Derek Flint to Jason Bourne to Ethan Hunt.
Learn about two surprising real and fictional figures nicknamed “the American James Bond.”
Get a first look at Alan Porter’s new book, Too Many Bonds: The Making of Casino Royale ’67.