David Hedison (Felix Leiter)

David Hedison playing Felix Leiter

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA on 20th May 1927

Starred In Live And Let Die (1973) and Licence To Kill (1989)

Film information

Felix Leiter played by David Hedison appears in Live And Let Die and Licence To Kill. When Bond arrives in New York he phones Felix to tell him he is on his way to meet him. However Bond is soon phoning Felix again to inform him about his ‘accident’.

Like many previous actors to play the role of Felix Leiter, the character appears in a number of short scenes throughout the film, although has little to do. Leiter merely provides Bond with the latest information on what’s going on, and makes sure Sheriff J.W Pepper doesn’t get his hands into him!

In Licence to Kill David Hedison reprises his role as Felix Leiter. Enjoyably Leiter gets more involved in the action bringing down Franz Sanchez at the end of the pre-title sequence. Leiters role in Licence To Kill is cut short when his wife, Della Churchill is killed, and he is fed to a shark - courtesy of Sanchez. Seriously injured, this is the main factor that causes Bond to chase Sanchez contrary to orders from M.

Character information

The portrayal of Felix Leiter by David Hedison is one of the better performances played by the number of actors that have taken on the role. Putting a breath of fresh air into the character, David Hedison plays the role with the right balance of being relaxed, cool, slick and comical. It is pleasing to see David Hedison return in Licence To Kill and the pre-title sequence sees the long awaited Felix Leiter in action. §