Jan Werich (1905 - 1980) was a Czech actor who was originally hired to portray Ernst Stavro Blofeld in You Only Live Twice in 1967.
However, Werich was fired and replaced by Donald Pleasence several days into the production.
Bond Involvement[]
As production on the fifth James Bond film, You Only Live Twice had began, the role of Ernst Stavro Blofeld had gone to Jan Werich. However, it was soon decided by producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman that Werich was not really a good fit for the role, deeming him to not be nearly menacing enough, with it being noted by director Lewis Gilbert that Werich appeared more like Santa Claus than Blofeld. Gilbert would also note that Werich struggled with his English, making shooting more difficult. After several days of filming with Werich, the producers then decided to recast the role of Blofeld, with the official excuse being that Werich was ill and could not continue. Donald Pleasence was then cast as Blofeld.
It was rumoured, but unconfirmed, that one shot of Sean Connery's James Bond being brought before Blofeld, while Bond is still wearing his astronaut uniform, features Weich's Blofeld. As his grey hair appears to be visible over the top of his chair, while Pleasence's Blofeld was famously bald headed.
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