Culture

Dominic West says trans soldier Hannah Graf should play James Bond

Dec 23 2018
Written by Lydia Smith

Hannah Graf and husband Jake attend the premiere of Colette in London (John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI)

Dominic West has said Hannah Graf, the highest ranking transgender soldier in the British army, should play the next James Bond.

The British star told The Sunday Times Magazine: “She’s a beautiful girl who could be Bond.

“They should have a transgender Bond because there are a lot of transgender people in the army. That’s actually a brilliant idea.”

Graf serves with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

In 2013, she came out as a transgender woman and became the highest ranking trans soldier within the British Army.

Responding to West’s recommendation, Graf said she was “flattered”.

“I don’t think I’m going to become an actress anytime soon, but there’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a transgender Bond,“ she said.

Actor Dominic West (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Graf added there have been “too many men” in hero roles.

West met Graf after starring alongside her husband Jake in the new film Colette, which also stars Keira Knightley.

Hannah Graf wedding

Earlier this year, she married her long-term partner, actor Jake Graf, in a Disney-themed wedding at Chelsea’s Town Hall in London.

Jake told PinkNews: “The ceremony was absolutely magical, held at the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall, with all of our closest family and friends present.

Hannah looked stunning, and we both cried as she walked down the aisle, as did many of our guests. We had two beautiful readings, and simple vows.

“The ceremony was lovely, and we cracked the glass underfoot following our vows in a throwback to my Jewish heritage,” he added.

“Hannah’s dress was by award-winning designer Ian Stuart, and I was dressed by top stylist Joe Woolfe, who also dresses Benedict Cumberbatch!”

He added: “Trans people look to us and say we have given them hope when finding love.

“And my biggest concern when I was starting my transition, and I think it was Hannah’s as well, was never finding love because I think trans people are made to feel ugly and not worthy of love.

“So if we’re inspiring a new generation of trans people to find someone for them, that is a huge honour and something that I am very proud of.”