The Reason One Bond Girl Said No to a 2-Year Promotional Deal – ‘They Were Quite Pissed Off’

The James Bond franchise, a global powerhouse of cinema and marketing, has long been known for its extravagant promotional efforts. Each new installment of 007’s adventures is accompanied by a well-oiled publicity machine that spins out trailers, press tours, and promotional materials across the globe. The roles of Bond girls—those iconic female characters who often play crucial parts in 007’s missions—are no exception, with actresses expected to take part in extensive promotional campaigns. However, one Bond girl chose to buck the system, and her decision still resonates today.

Margaret Nolan, who played the role of Dink in 1964’s Goldfinger, is the only Bond girl to refuse to promote her role in the film. Despite her minimal screentime in the movie, Nolan’s contribution to the Bond legacy became instantly iconic. Her gold-painted body, featured in the marketing and the film’s unforgettable opening credits, made her an indelible part of Goldfinger’s lasting imagery. However, Nolan was not interested in being tied to the flashy promotional campaign that was attached to her role.

While the Goldfinger producers offered Nolan a two-year promotional deal—likely involving more gold paint and global tours to drum up buzz for the film—Nolan turned it down. “So they were quite pissed off because they’d already spent loads of money on me,” Nolan admitted in an interview with Den of Geek. Her refusal was driven by a desire to be taken seriously as an actress and to avoid being typecast as just another Bond girl, something she felt could limit her career.

At the time, there were significant political movements happening that also influenced Nolan’s decision. She wanted to move away from the glamour and surface-level appeal of her role in Goldfinger and focus on more serious acting opportunities. Nolan’s husband also wasn’t keen on her being away for two years, traveling the world for promotional duties. Despite the allure of guaranteed, well-paid work, Nolan stood firm on her decision, prioritizing her long-term career goals over short-term gain.

In hindsight, Nolan admitted that, in some ways, she may have made an unnecessary sacrifice. “So I turned it down, and it was so funny because, as I say, I’ve never been able to live it down anyway,” she reflected. “In a way, I might as well have just done it.” While Nolan’s refusal to be a part of Goldfinger’s extensive promotional campaign was a personal choice based on her values and aspirations, it did not shield her from being forever associated with the franchise. To this day, her gold-painted image remains one of the most enduring and iconic visuals in Bond history.

Nolan’s decision to distance herself from the Bond franchise reflects a broader struggle faced by many Bond girls—characters who, despite their prominence in the films, often find it difficult to break free from the typecasting that comes with their roles. In the case of Nolan, the move to avoid promotional work with the franchise ultimately didn’t shield her from the long-lasting association with Goldfinger, but it did allow her to pursue more diverse acting roles outside of the Bond brand.

While many actresses would have eagerly embraced the opportunity for guaranteed work and fame tied to the Bond franchise, Nolan’s decision highlights the challenges that come with fame and the desire to be seen as more than just a cinematic archetype. Looking back, Nolan’s stance serves as a reminder that even in the glitzy world of Bond, where fame and fortune often await, some actors choose to take the harder path for the sake of their craft and personal integrity. In her case, the decision to decline the promotional offer might not have led to the career she envisioned, but it cemented her place as a unique figure in Bond history.