Dominique 'Domino' Derval

$Claudine Auger as Dominique \$

DATASTREAM
Actress: Claudine Auger
Character: Dominique 'Domino' Derval
Movie: 'Thunderball'
Date of Birth: 26th April 1941
Place of Birth: Paris, France
Trivia: Worked with Terrence Young twice, first on "Thunderball" then independent picture "Triple Cross"

PLEASED TO MEET YOU
Bond bumps into the lovely Domino while diving in the Bahamas. After making his rendezvous with her in the depths, Bond jet-sets across the harbour of Nassau to a spot of lunch and a poolside chat.

"What sharp little eyes you've got."

CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Domino is a sultry and passionate young lady who, after warming to 007, cannot help but long for escaping the clutches of her Uncle. Bond quickly falls for her charm and innocence and she repays Bond in kind after the Disco Volante has beached, blown up and Bond's mission is complete! The pair are last seen being rescued from a life raft.

$Claudine Auger as Dominique \$

PROFILE
Domino is a lonely, kept mistress of Emilio Largo, the villainous SPECTRE Number Two. Growing up without a real family, Domino finds herself adopted and imprisoned by her own Uncle. While she lives a seemingly exotic life, jet-setting from one tropical location to the next, she is, in reality, nothing more than a prisoner.

$Claudine Auger as Dominique \$

BIOGRAPHY
Born on 26 April 1941 in Paris, France, Claudine Auger originally spelled her surname Oger, but changed it early in her career to phonetically anglicise it. In 1958, at the age of mere 17, Auger won Miss France Monde, a secondary award bestowed upon French representatives to the Miss World competition. She went on to be the first runner up in the Miss World competition that very same year.

By age 20, with natural beauty and a friendly personality, she won the hearts of various movie producers. Her first film role was in 1960 and on Marcel Carné drama, "Terrain Vague".

From small roles in French television and cinema, Claudine was flung into big-screen stardom with James Bond's 1965 outing, 'Thunderball' - but it took several twists of fate to land the part.

Faye Dunaway was first offered the role, but she declined so that she pursue a role in 1967's "The Happening". Raquel Welch was then signed, but was released as a favour by producer Cubby Broccoli so she could appear in the 1966 production "Fantastic Voyage".

Julie Christie seemed like a perfect choice until she arrived for a meeting disheveled and uncomfortable. As the start of filming approached, director Terence Young and the producers launched a worldwide talent hunt. A French film writer suggested they test Auger. She wowed the producers with a near perfect audition.

In the original draft James Bond's latest leading lady called for an Italian character named Dominetta Palazzi. The role of Domino was rewritten to accommodate the young French actress. After securing the role, Auger took regular lessons with Au Pair, London in order to brush up her English. While her English skills were above expectations on set, she was ultimately dubbed as her voice was so low. She also helped design the risqué bathing suits she wears in the film. For many of the underwater scenes, Auger was doubled by Evelyn Boren, the wife of underwater cameraman Lamar Boren.

Domino was a hit among cinemagoers, and hailed as the most well rounded character in a Bond girl yet. After "Thunderball", Auger was in demand in Europe and the UK but failed to make an impact on Hollywood. Notable performances to her name include a role in "Triple Cross" - another Terence Young film - starring Christopher Plummer and Yul Brynner.

In 1966 Claudine was nominated for a Golden Laural award in the new faces category. She also appeared on the cover of LIFE International Magazine on May 31, 1965.