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 (RAF officer) David Niven (RAF officer) Air Vice Marshal David Miller Niven, is a former Royal Air Force officer who served as the inaugural Commander of Joint Helicopter Command from 1999 to 2002. Educated at the University of St Andrews, Niven joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1968. He served as Commanding Officer of No. 18 Squadron and then No. 78 Squadron, before becoming Station Commander at RAF Aldergrove; he was air advisor to the Director SAS during the Falklands War in 1982 and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Plans during the Gulf War in 1991. Niven was a member of