James Villiers (Bill Tanner)

James Villiers playing Bill Tanner

Born in London, England on 29th September 1933

Died 18th January 1998

Starred In For Your Eyes Only (1983)

Film information

Bill Tanner played by James Villiers only appears in For Your Eyes Only, however the character of Bill Tanner reappears in Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough, though in a different position.

Tanner gives Bond his mission orders in For Your Eyes Only assisted by Sir Frederick Gray after M is 'on leave'. Later Tanner criticizes Bond's failure to get information out of hector Gonzales by letting Melina Havelock perforate him with her crossbow.

Character information

Bill Tanner, chief of staff at MI6 is a very rigid, formal, humourless character. Bond's mission briefing is very functional and practical; he gives Bond only the cold hard facts and information he needs to get the job done, and that's it. Needless to say Tanner is not amused when Bond's mission to get information from Hector Gonzales goes awry. §