One of the most well-known American actresses and former fashion models is Lois Chiles. Arguably, the role that she is best remembered for is that of Dr. Holly Goodhead in Moonraker. She was born on April 15, 1947, in Houston, Texas.

She rose to prominence during the 1970s, having memorable performances in films such as The Way We Were and Death on the Nile.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Born in Houston, Texas, Lois Chiles spent most of her young life in the small town of Alice, surrounded by family. She attended the University of Texas at Austin as a young woman, where one day she would be discovered by a Glamour magazine editor.

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From a small-town dreamer to a global runway star. Source: Pinterest

Following that, Chiles moved to New York City to pursue modeling at Finch College and quickly emerged as the face of fashion.

Transition to Acting

Success in modeling propelled Chiles into acting in the early 1970s. Her first film appearance was in the independent film Together for Days, but it was her acting talent in The Way We Were that put her in the spotlight.

Chiles played Robert Redford’s college girlfriend, proving she was capable of holding her own with the heavies in Hollywood.

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Iconic Bond Girl Role

Chiles’ career reached a high point when she secured a role as Dr. Holly Goodhead in the James Bond film Moonraker. Having been originally offered a part in The Spy Who Loved Me, which she turned down, Chiles later took the role in Moonraker after bumping into director Lewis Gilbert.

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In a role that defined glamour and sophistication. Source: Pinterest

Just as strong an important point in her characterization, her performance as Dr. Goodhead was another rare Bond girl with dignity and intelligence.

Tragedy and Hiatus

Despite her success, Chiles suffered a personal tragedy in 1979 when her younger brother died; understandably, this prompted her to take a three-year sabbatical from acting.

When she did, Chiles was unable to procure powerful roles like those she had in the past, though she still shone in Broadcast News and Creepshow 2.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Chiles had a long on-and-off relationship with musician Don Henley, but the two never married. In 2005, she walked down the aisle again, this time to her current husband, Richard Gilder, a money manager and philanthropist.

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A timeless duo: Lois Chiles and her husband. Source: marriedbiography.com

The two became huge contributors to charitable causes, especially donations for research into non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the very type of lymphoma her brother had fought.

Legacy and Teaching

Today, Lois Chiles remains in the minds of people as a timeless Bond girl and talented actress. She has also shared several interviews where she spoke in detail about her experiences with her fans.

In addition, Chiles has shared her knowledge and love for acting while teaching at the University of Houston, creating a generation of next-generation performers.

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