Bruce Glover, the iconic actor known for his role as the villainous Mr. Wint in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, has died at the age of 92. His son, actor Crispin Glover, confirmed the sad news on Instagram, revealing that his father passed away on March 12, 2025, from natural causes.
Born on May 2, 1932, in Chicago to parents Herbert and Eva, Bruce Glover developed an early interest in acting. At just three years old, he captivated an audience during a church pageant with the line, "No room at the inn," which he delivered so well that he repeated it several times, showcasing his instinct for performance. Glover's first official acting job was as a gorilla in a strip act, a far cry from the complex roles he would later embody.
In 1953, Glover was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for six months in Korea. Upon returning, he pursued acting full-time, appearing in various television shows and plays. His career began to gain momentum in the late 1950s with appearances in popular series such as Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible.
Glover's breakout role came in 1971 when he was cast as Mr. Wint in Diamonds Are Forever, opposite Sean Connery. His performance was notable not only for its villainy but also for the humor he infused into the character. In a 2019 interview with The Original Van Gogh's Ear Anthology, Glover shared, "Guy Hamilton was wide open to every idea I had and a lot of the success of the humour of that film was me. Those were all my ideas." He recalled a memorable scene where Connery's Bond pushes him in a suggestive manner, which he humorously noted was the biggest laugh in the movie.
In addition to his role in the Bond franchise, Glover is also remembered for his performances in the critically acclaimed film Chinatown, where he played Duffy, and in Walking Tall. His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between film and television, with credits that include My Favorite Martian, The Mod Squad, Bonanza, Adam-12, and Police Story.
Throughout his career, Glover was not only an actor but also an acting coach, dedicating time to help aspiring performers honor their unique creativity. He expressed a passion for teaching, stating on his Yelp page that he aimed to help actors express their truth.
Glover was married twice: first to Connie Overstake from 1949 to 1950, and later to Marion Elizabeth Lillian "Betty" Krachey, with whom he shared a long marriage until her death in 2016. Their son, Crispin, born in 1964, followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an actor, director, and writer. The two collaborated on the 2007 film It Is Fine! Everything Is Fine, which Crispin co-directed.
In his later years, Bruce Glover continued to reflect fondly on his career and his relationship with his son. In interviews, he praised Crispin's talent, calling him a "terrific director" and expressing a desire to work together again. Crispin Glover, who is best known for his roles in Back to the Future and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, shared heartfelt tributes to his father on social media, posting photos and memories that highlighted their close bond.
As news of Bruce Glover's passing spread, many in the entertainment industry shared their condolences. Actress Lea Thompson, who starred alongside Crispin in Back to the Future, expressed her sorrow in an Instagram comment, sending love and support to the grieving family. Similarly, actress Tané McClure reminisced about her experiences working with Bruce, noting his creativity and kindness.
Bruce Glover leaves behind a rich legacy filled with memorable performances and a profound impact on those who knew him. His contributions to film and television, especially as a memorable Bond villain, will not be forgotten. As fans and colleagues reflect on his career, they celebrate not only his talent but also the warmth and humor he brought to his roles.
In a world where many actors come and go, Bruce Glover's unique blend of villainy and charm made him a standout figure in Hollywood. His work continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
