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Swedes in the Bond films

Mark Cerulli remembers iconic movie poster artist Robert McGinnis (1926-2025)

The Bond community, still reeling from the loss of actor Bruce Glover now learned of the passing of iconic poster artist, Robert McGinnis on March 10th at age 99. Along with Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, McGinnis was a key shaper of the Bond image, creating the distinctive advertising art for numerous Bonds starting with Thunderball (1965).

UA’s advertising department teamed Robert McGinnis with illustrator Frank McCarthy (who drew the highly detailed backgrounds and explosions) resulting in some of the most memorable and effective movie art in modern film history. His depiction of the female form – sultry, seductive, nuanced – led to their being dubbed “McGinnis Girls” and those paintings are highly sought after by collectors.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, McGinnis’ obvious talent for art led him to Walt Disney Studios where he was an apprentice. He soon found work in advertising, drawing over 1,200 paperback covers as well as illustrations for many of the leading magazines of the 1950s and 60s.

His first movie poster was the timeless art for 1961’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s and once Hollywood spotted his talent, he was on his way, illustrating “key art” for films like The Pink Panther, Murderer’s Row, Barbarella, Casino Royale (1967), You Only Live Twice (1967), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Semi-Tough, and many others.


Robert McGinnis hand-painted artwork for the poster to 1965's James Bond film Thunderball.


Robert McGinnis hand-painted artwork for the poster to 1967's James Bond film You Only Live Twice.


Robert McGinnis hand-painted artwork for the poster to 1971's James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.

He continued illustrating posters right up to 2004’s The Incredibles. Reportedly his personal favorite from his huge body of work was for the 1968 comedy, The Odd Couple. His son Kyle said he was extremely pleased with how that came out.

In an era that produced legendary commercial artists like James Bama, Basil Gogos and Reynold Brown, McGinnis’ gifts not only stood out, but stood the test of time. There is no finer compliment for an artist.

Text by Mark Cerulli. Copyright © 2025 From Sweden with Love. All rights reserved.

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