Remembering my friend Rik Von Nutter (1929-2005)
Rik played CIA agent Felix Leiter in the James Bond movie Thunderball
and was a close
Friend of Dr. John F. Murray
Some Images from Thunderball, other movies, and related items below
Historical Footnote:
One of Rik's favorite stories told to John F Murray
How Rik Got the Thunderball Part
Bob Hope with Anita Ekberg (above).
Anita Ekberg was pictured on a famous billboard scene with Bob Hope in "From
Russia with Love," and did not ask Cubby Broccoli for any payment for the
use of her photo.
As a gift back to Anita, who was married to Rik Van Nutter at the time,
Cubby turned to Rik at dinner one evening and suddenly declared ...
"You Rik ... you're
Felix Leiter in Thunderball!"
Rik was astonished and on cloud 9 the whole evening.
His career took
off even more.
Anita, Rik was ever grateful for your generosity to Cubby!
It was great knowing you Rik ... You're on to even bigger movies now!
See the
written tribute to Rik here
In the spirit of Rik's love for international travel, tribute writer
John F. Murray's Passport Photo Below
Rik and Legendary Anita Ekberg (above) were Married in 1960s and 1970s