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Maud Adams in Pictures: From Serendipitous Discovery to Double Bond Girl and Business Mogul

There’s a kind of magic in stories of discovery. We often hear about musicians being discovered in subway stations, authors getting their big break from a happenstance manuscript find, and, in the case of Maud Adams, a photographer chancing upon a young woman in a shop and seeing a star.

Born in 1945 as Maud Solveig Christina Wikström, this Swedish beauty wasn’t scouting for film roles or magazine covers when she was discovered in 1963. She was just living her life, unaware of the fame that was soon to follow. Thanks to that fortuitous day and a single photo submission, Adams was ushered into the prestigious world of the Miss Sweden contest, marking the genesis of a successful modeling career.

Duality in 007

While Adams’ modeling career was a force to be reckoned with, it was her transition to the silver screen that cemented her iconic status. The James Bond franchise is celebrated for its sharp tuxedos, death-defying stunts, and memorable Bond girls. However, few actresses can boast the distinction of playing not one but two different Bond girls, a feat accomplished by Adams.

Her first appearance was alongside Roger Moore in “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974, where she played the mysterious Andrea Anders. Nearly a decade later, Adams returned to the 007 fold, this time as the enigmatic title character in “Octopussy” (1983). Her dual roles made her one of the most unforgettable faces in Bond history.

Beyond Bond

While the Bond films might have catapulted her to international stardom, Adams wasn’t just a one-trick pony. She graced screens with performances in “The Christian Licorice Store” (1971), showcased her action chops in “Rollerball” (1975), and delivered thrilling performances in “Killer Force” (1976) and “The Kill Reflex” (1989) among others.

A Woman of Many Hats

Adams’ ambitions weren’t restricted to acting. As the president of Scandinavian Biocosmetics, she ventured into the world of beauty, proving her mettle as an entrepreneur.

Personal Strides

Maud’s personal life has also seen its fair share of ebbs and flows. Her marriage to photographer Roy Adams in 1966, with whom she shares her surname, ended in 1975. But love was destined to find its way back to her. In 1999, she found companionship with Charles Rubin, a private mediator and retired judge.

#1 Maud Adams in Beauty Editorial for Vogue US, September 1967

#2 Maud Adams in David Kidd’s Wide-Wale Cotton Corduroy Suit, Harper’s Bazaar, August 1967

#4 Maud Adams in Black Silk Cotton Velvet Coat with Empress Chinchilla Accents by Emeric Partos, Harper’s Bazaar, December 1967

#5 Maud Adams in Strega Mini-Tunic and Shorts by Mademoiselle, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue, July 1967

#6 Maud Adams in Lavender Evening Shirt and Chartreuse Satin Sash by Andrew Woods, Harper’s Bazaar, December 1967

#7 Maud Adams in Mary Quant Mini-Trench and Over the Knee Boots by Golo, Irving Penn Photo, Vogue, August 1967

#8 Maud Adams in Pale Gray Crêpe Knickers and Ruffled Shirt by Mr. Mort, Harper’s Bazaar, December 1967

#9 Maud Adams in Teal Traina’s Three-Piece Ensemble, Vogue, December 1967

#10 Maud Adams in Günther’s Wide-Wale Corduroy Ensemble for Ginala, National Cotton Council Ad, Vogue, August 1967

#11 Maud Adams in Bone-Beige Wool and Angora Dress by Polly Peck, Ronald Traeger Photo, Vogue UK, January 1967

#12 Maud Adams in Thigh-High Boots by Delman and Gray Wool Tunic Over Yellow Ribbed Sweater by Bonnie Cashin, Alexis Waldeck Photo, Vogue, August 1967

#13 Maud Adams in SAGA Mink Coat by Ben Kahn, Vogue, October 1968

#14 Maud Adams in Beautiful Nightgown by Van Raalte, Vogue, October 1968

#15 Maud Adams in Navy Du Pont Nylon Thigh-Boots Studded with Navajo Silver by Herbert Levine, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue, August 1968

#16 Maud Adams in Cashmere Skirt and Shirt by Hadley, Harper’s Bazaar, September 1968

#17 Maud Adams in Hadley Cashmere, Vogue, September 1968

#18 Maud Adams in Mr. Dino’s Hand-Printed Double-Knit Textured Fortrel Polyester Hostess Pajamas, Vogue, September 1968

#19 Maud Adams in Black Velvet Long Dress with Scimitars of Pearls and Rhinestones by Travilla, Chris von Wangenheim Photo, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1968

#20 Maud Adams in Lilac Heather Wool Tweed Suit by Chester Weinberg, Vogue, September 1968

#21 Maud Adams in Pink-and-Green Diamond Checked Wool Coat and Dress by Sophie of Saks Fifth Avenue, Vogue, February 1968

#22 Maud Adams in Fortrel Crêpe Shirtdress with Self-Sash and Glitzy Buttons by Miss Couture, Vogue, January 1968

#23 Maud Adams in Black Crêpe Shirtdress Pavéed in Diamante by Lisa Meril, Chris von Wangenheim Photo, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1968

#24 Maud Adams in Du Pont Nylon Boots and Velveteen Shirt from Sibley-Coffee, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue, August 1968

#25 Maud Adams, “Legs on a New Footing” by Delman, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue US, 1968

#26 Maud Adams, “Legs on a New Footing” by Evelyn Schless, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue US, 1968

#27 Maud Adams, “Legs on a New Footing” by Herbert Levine, Norman Parkinson Photo, Vogue US, 1968

#28 Maud Adams in Ban Roll-On Deodorant Ad, Vogue, June 1968

#29 Maud Adams in Hooded Sheared Alaska Seal Fur Coat, Gianni Penati Photo, Vogue, 1969

#30 Maud Adams in Anglo Wool Jumper Suit by Manor-Bourne for I.Magnin & Co., Vogue, January 1969

#31 Maud Adams in EMBA Mink Advertisement, Harry Winston Jewelry, Virginia Thoren Photo, 1969

#32 Maud Adams, Ormond Gigli Photo for Time, Greece, 1969

#33 Maud Adams, Ormond Gigli Photo for Time, Greece, 1969

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Written by Kimberly Adams

Kimberly Adams is passionate about classic movies, actors, and actresses. She offers a fresh perspective on timeless films and the stars who made them unforgettable. Her work is an ode to the glamour and artistry of a bygone era, and a tribute to the enduring appeal of classic cinema.

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