It's been nearly forty years since her appaerance in Diamonds Are Forever, but Trina Parks only says her birthday is on December 26th. She doesn't dare to reveal her age, and even when we have the chance of getting the information through Internet, we'll keep her secret safe. With the same spirit she had when she gave Sean Connery that painful kick down there, the actress who portrayed Thumper, one of Willard Whyte's henchwomen, agreed to be interviewed online by Bondcollection.

First of all, How did you get involved in Diamonds Are Forever? Was it a casting or by a recommendation?

I was client of the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA). My agent was called, from Mr. Broccoli's office, requesting an interview with me, for the role.

What are your memories of Sean Connery? ¿Was he that annoyed with the role of James Bond as people said?

I have very fond memories of me with Sean. First of all, before we even started to shoot. We were staying at the same hotel, In Palm Springs, CA. He invited me to breakfast, before we were to be picked up, to go to the set (or rather the 'El Rod' house, where we shoot the scene). He wanted to meet me before I started 'beating him up', because then, it would be no real time to get to know each other. That I thought, was a wonderful gesture. Sean, at that time, was not going to do any more 'Bond' films. As I heard him say, on the set: "This is my last Bond movie". Well until they offered him millions to play James Bond, ironically in Never Say Never Again Many years later.

Bond gently greets Thumper, not knowing the painful surprise she has for him.

   


Were you doubled in the fighting sequence?

No I was not doubled in the fighting scenes at all! And all the floor work is my! choreography.

How was your relationship with Donna Garratt (Bambi), and the rest of the cast and crew?

My relationship was great with Donna, the short time we were together (but after one or two days she did not come back) so Bambi was played by an (at that time) Olympic contestant and she was quite young too, about 17 or 18 years.I presume they wanted someone to do all those 'flying in the air-calisthenics', to be a contrast to me fighting on the ground. The crew was great, Broccoli was great, the shooting went quite smoothly.

Is there any funny anecdote you'd like to share with us?

There was a funny situation, in the beginning of the scene, when I'm to knee Sean in the groin. I was being very careful not to hit him too hard and Broccoli said, after a couple of takes; "Ms. Parks, why are you being so gentle, I know you can knee him harder than that"? I said, "Well, I didn't want to hurt him". He replied--
'He has a cup on!" Everybody laughed, me too. "Oh"!, I said , so after that, one take! And that's what you see.

 

Trina Parks tells us she didn't needed to be doubled for her stunts, and that she coreographed all the acrobats seen.

   


How do you see the James Bond phenomenom through the years? Have you seen the Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig films?

The James Bond films have stayed as popular as always. Which is a phenomenon to me. People treat me as if I just filmed the movie. When I do autograph shows any where in the world, it's the same reaction. Yes! I've seen all the Bond films.

Well, here goes a little obvious question, but, Who's your favourite Bond?

Well... Let's see... who's my favorite 'Bond-man'? Let me think... Now who do you think! Sean of course!.

Trina with Sean Connery, her "favourite Bond-man", and Lola Larson, who finally played Bambi after Donna Garrat's replacement.

   


Tell me a little about your latest proyects. How was your professional life in this thirty nine years after 007?

After I filmed Diamonds... I did a few more movies, one in the Philippines, I co-starred with Jane Kennedy, called the Muthers (how they say Mothers in Tagaled, their language). Also several TV shows variety and dramas. In the 80's I toured the Far East and Europe for about 10 years. As a guest Artist, in a show (vocalist/dancer) or with my own show. My latest project is my new solo show called: Black Diamonds Are Forever. Briefly, it's my one woman (with 6 musicians) theatrical/tribute show & tour. It's the most expensive one I've done (of my 3 different solo shows I've created, since 1970). So what I'm doing now is trying to get investors. My budget starts at about $17,000.00. Know anyone who would be interested? I'll send more information to them if so.

Are you glad when you meet worldwide fans in conventions?

I'm am very glad to meet Bond¡' fans anywhere in the world and I'm happy and proud to say I am received with much respect and admiration from all.

Are you planning a visit to Argentina anytime?

I would love to visit Argentina! That is one place I've never been to. Try and arrange it ok?

  As usual, we thank Trina for giving us her time for the interview, and we wish her all the best for her next musical. Thanks Trina!  

Nicolás Suszczyk