James Bond 007 Logo Designer Joe Caroff Dies Aged 103

Joe Caroff, the graphic designer renowned for creating the iconic 007 James Bond gun logo, died at age 103, one day before his 104th birthday. Commissioned in 1962 to design a letterhead for the first Bond film, Dr. No, Caroff incorporated the outline of a pistol into the number seven, symbolizing Bond's 'license to kill,' a logo that has been used in every Bond film since with only minor modifications. Despite the logo's global recognition, Caroff received no royalties, although EON Productions honored him with a 007-engraved watch on his 100th birthday. Beyond Bond, Caroff's extensive seven-decade career included designing posters for films like West Side Story, A Hard Day's Night, Cabaret, and Manhattan, as well as title sequences for movies such as The Last Temptation of Christ. Known for his low profile and self-description as a 'service provider,' Caroff prioritized his work over personal fame, rarely signing his designs. He is survived by his two sons and granddaughter, leaving a lasting legacy in graphic design and film history.