Who played CIA agent Felix Leiter in the James Bond film Dr. No?

Jack Lord played CIA agent Felix Leiter in the James Bond film Dr. No.

Leiter is Bond’s American ally in the first official Eon-produced Bond film. In Dr. No, he helps Bond investigate the disappearance of British intelligence operative John Strangways in Jamaica. Lord’s performance established Leiter as a capable field agent who could provide local intelligence and practical support.

Jack Lord was an American actor best known later for playing Steve McGarrett in the television series Hawaii Five-O. His appearance as Leiter was his only performance in the Bond film series. The character returned in later films, but producers recast the role several times rather than retaining one actor.

Felix Leiter originated in Ian Fleming’s novels and is generally portrayed as an officer of the CIA. The character’s friendship with Bond is important because Leiter provides a recurring American connection within stories otherwise centred on British intelligence.