Bruce Glover, a veteran character actor best known for his role as the assassin Mr. Wint in the iconic James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever," has passed away at the age of 92. The sad news was confirmed by his son, actor Crispin Hellion Glover, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on March 29, 2025, stating, "Bruce Herbert Glover, May 2, 1932 – March 12, 2025." While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the announcement has resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike.
Born on May 2, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, Bruce Glover began his journey in show business at a remarkably young age. At just six years old, he entered the workforce, earning 60 cents a week delivering groceries. Reflecting on his early days, Glover once remarked, "Ten cents a day delivering groceries after school and Saturday mornings so I made sixty cents a week. Sometimes I’d get a tip from whoever I was delivering to, but that was the beginning of the seeking of work." This early exposure to hard work laid the foundation for a lifelong career in entertainment.
After graduating high school, Glover pursued football at Wright Junior College and joined a semi-pro team. However, his athletic aspirations were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1953. Upon returning from the war, he faced health challenges, including a bout with malaria that forced him to reconsider his future. "When I came back with malaria I couldn’t pick up that football scholarship so I had to go back to that junior college where I’d played football and pick up some more college credits," he explained. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for acting, trying out for a play in 1955, which marked the beginning of his decades-long career.
Glover quickly made a name for himself in the theater, earning roles in the original casts of Broadway productions such as "The Lion In Winter," "Mother Courage and Her Children," and "The Night of the Iguana." His transition to television was seamless, appearing in a variety of popular shows including "My Favorite Martian," "The Rat Patrol," "The Mod Squad," and "Gunsmoke." His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on diverse roles, which he did with great skill and charisma.
However, it was his portrayal of Mr. Wint in the 1971 film "Diamonds Are Forever" that solidified his place in cinematic history. Alongside co-star Putter Smith, who played Mr. Kidd, Glover's character became a memorable part of the Bond franchise. In a blog interview from 2019, he shared insights about working with director Guy Hamilton, stating, "Whatever you come up with, if you have a good director you can discuss with him what you want to do. Like Guy Hamilton was wide open to every idea I had and a lot of the success of the humor of that film was me. Those were all my ideas." He humorously recalled a particular scene where Sean Connery's Bond gives his character a memorable demise, noting, "The final moment in the film where Sean Connery does that rude thing pushing the hooha up my yaha and giving that character his final great sexual moment is the biggest laugh in the movie."
Glover's career continued to flourish in the following decades, with notable appearances in films such as "Chinatown," where he played Duffy, and the action classic "Walking Tall." His role as deputy Grady Coker in "Walking Tall" led to sequels, further establishing his presence in the film industry. He also made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including "Adam-12," "Mission: Impossible," "Police Story," and "Murder, She Wrote." His last public appearance was in 2021 for a short film titled "An Approximation of their Barbarous Manners," where he played a fictional version of himself.
Beyond acting, Glover was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, having taught acting in Los Angeles for many years. He left behind a legacy not only through his performances but also through the knowledge he imparted to aspiring actors. In addition to his son Crispin, who is well-known for his roles in films like "Back to the Future," Glover is survived by another son, Michael Leigh Glover.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues who remembered him fondly. One fan expressed, "We are devastated to hear of the passing of Bruce Glover. Mr. Wint will go down as one of the greatest James Bond characters of all time, over 50 years since his enigmatic performance in Diamonds are Forever." Another remarked, "Bruce Glover had a great career (one of my favorite Bond villain henchmen) but for many he will probably live on for being in the shot for one of the most memorable ending dialogue lines in film history."
Bruce Glover's contributions to film and television are immeasurable, and his unique talent will be remembered by generations to come. His remarkable journey from a young grocery delivery boy to a beloved character actor is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the craft. As fans and family mourn his loss, they also celebrate a life well-lived, filled with memorable performances and enduring impact.
