Bond Icon Ursula Andress 'Devastated' After Losing £16M Fortune
Legendary Bond Girl Ursula Andress has publicly revealed her profound heartbreak and financial devastation after allegedly losing a staggering £16 million fortune to her late manager. The 90-year-old actress, who shot to international fame as Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No, described feeling "devastated" and "hopeless" following the catastrophic financial betrayal.
The Rise of a Hollywood Icon
Ursula Andress became an instant global sensation at age 26 when she emerged from the ocean in a white bikini in Dr. No, starring opposite Sean Connery. Her breakthrough performance earned her a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, cementing her status as a cinematic icon. Just five years later, she further solidified her Bond legacy by appearing as Vesper Lynd in the Bond parody Casino Royale.
During her peak Hollywood years, Andress capitalized on her newfound stardom by posing nude for Playboy in 1965, following the publication of photos from Nightmare In The Sun. This led to her appearing in the iconic magazine seven times over a remarkable 15-year period, showcasing her enduring appeal and cultural impact.
A Fortune Allegedly Stolen
Despite amassing an estimated £18 million net worth during her illustrious career, Andress now finds herself in dire financial circumstances. In January, she filed a criminal complaint against her former manager, Eric Freymond, accusing him of embezzling approximately £16 million—nearly her entire life savings.
"For eight years, I was courted and wooed," Andress told German news outlet Blick. "They lied to me ruthlessly and exploited my goodwill and trust in a perfidious, even criminal, way to take everything from me. And they were counting on my age. I'm so devastated."
The actress claims the financial loss has left her suffering from debilitating anxiety and insomnia. "This feeling of helplessness is unbearable, it's killing me," she confessed, describing her current emotional state as "desperate and hopeless."
Complex Fraud Scheme Unveiled
Investigations reveal that Freymond allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated fraud scheme involving multiple transactions without Andress's knowledge or consent. In spring 2024, he is accused of transferring her fortune from Lombard Odier bank to an account held by the Vaud Notaries' Association at Saanenbank.
Additionally, Freymond allegedly purchased artwork belonging to his wife, Caroline, worth millions of pounds, using Andress's funds without authorization. These transactions were reportedly intended to provide him with liquidity while concealing the source of the money.
Freymond had previously been suspected of embezzling money from Hermès heir Nicolas Puech. During questioning in July last year, he confessed to some charges before tragically taking his own life two weeks later. Authorities emphasize there is no evidence suggesting his wife was involved in any criminal activities.
Legal Proceedings and Emotional Toll
Andress's management released a statement describing "a fraud scheme of exceptional scale and complexity, involving numerous actors and structures" that deprived her of "a large portion of her assets, resulting in significant damage." The Vaud cantonal judicial authorities have been tasked with fully investigating the manipulations and clarifying criminal and civil liability.
"I've been disgustingly cheated! I hope the perpetrators are punished to the full extent of the law," Andress declared, expressing her determination for justice. She had meticulously saved her money for what she envisioned would be "a happy and peaceful retirement," making the loss particularly devastating.
The actress has chosen not to comment further out of consideration for the ongoing legal proceedings, but her emotional distress is palpable. Once a symbol of glamour and success, Ursula Andress now represents the vulnerability even iconic figures face when trust is betrayed at the most fundamental level.
