Famke Janssen Calls Out 'Bond Girl' Label: 'Demeaning And Outdated' - BABEOfficial 2025

Famke Janssen's Bold Statement on 'Bond Girl' Stereotype

Famke Janssen, who captivated audiences with her lethal charm in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, isn't holding back her thoughts on the "Bond Girl" label. The Dutch actress, known not only for her role in GoldenEye but also for her standout performances in the X-Men and Taken franchises, recently revealed her discomfort with the term. "I was very aware of the pitfalls of being a model-turned-actor-turned-Bond Girl," Janssen shared with The Guardian. "I thought 'Bond Girl' was such a demeaning term. But I thought: 'I have nothing to lose; if I do this, I’m going to go all the way.'"

“I grew up on Bond movies, because my dad used to like them, and so I always thought of them as comedies, as tongue-in-cheek,” she continued. “I thought: ‘Let me make this character unforgettable.’ I went for broke. It easily could have failed. I don’t know where I got the confidence.”

Breaking Free from the Mold

Janssen didn't just play any Bond Girl; she brought to life Xenia Onatopp, a character who defied traditional expectations by adding layers of complexity and quirks. Known for her unique take on the character, Janssen improvised much of Xenia's personality to ensure she was more than just a typical femme fatale. The actress, who faced stereotypes due to her modeling background, embraced the challenge head-on. "I already had to deal with the stereotype of having been a model, but then I added another thing: model turned actress turned Bond Girl," she explained.

In a candid conversation with The Independent in 2022, Janssen reflected on her journey and the assumptions she faced. "Trust me: I come from nothing," she stated. "I’m self-made. I’ve cleaned toilets, worked in bars... this whole notion that I’m some kind of glamorous movie star is not remotely true."

From Bond to Amsterdam Empire

Famke Janssen's journey is far from over. She's currently showcasing her versatility in the Netflix comedy-drama Amsterdam Empire, where she plays a one-hit-wonder pop star locked in a bitter feud with her ex-husband, a marijuana mogul. This role is particularly special for Janssen, as it marks the first time she has spoken entirely in Dutch on screen, a nod to her roots in Amsterdam. Her candidness about the challenges she's faced and her determination to break free from stereotypes continue to inspire many.