James Bond filmography by Connery, was selected as the third-greatest hero in cinema history by the American Film Institute. When Sean Connery had been cast in November 1961, David Niven had been Fleming's choice for the role as the actor reflected his image of the character. In 1965 producer Charles Feldman signed Niven to play Sir James Bond for "Casino Royale", a film not made by Eon Productions. Connery and Peter Sellers had both turned down the role. Niven was 56 when he played Bond and his characterisation was that of an elderly man who had won the Victoria Cross at the Siege
David Niven stars and another hit; "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (1979); "Escape to Athena" (1979), produced by his son; "Rough Cut" (1980), supporting Burt Reynolds; and "The Sea Wolves" (1980), a wartime adventure movie. While Niven was co-hosting the 46th Annual Oscars ceremony, a naked man appeared behind him, "streaking" across the stage. Niven responded "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?" In 1974, he hosted "David Niven's World" for London Weekend Television, which profiled contemporary adventurers such as hang gliders,