Funniest 90s Villain: How Was He Created? Discover Now!

Dr. Evil stands as one of Mike Myers’ most iconic performances, alongside his leading role as Austin Powers in the same-named series. However, are you aware of who inspired Myers for this memorable villainous character? Although he has acknowledged over time that Lorne Michaels influenced the role in some way, the former “Saturday Night Live” comedian has revealed that Dr. Evil was originally based on a more specific character.

“No, it was always Donald Pleasence,” Myers stated in an interview with Vulture (via Deadline), referring to Pleasence’s portrayal of Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice,” directed by Lewis Gilbert.

To give you a bit of background, the “Austin Powers” series kicks off in 1967, featuring Austin Powers as a fashion photographer by day and a secret agent by night. He then time travels in pursuit of his nemesis, Dr. Evil, landing in 1997. What follows, or rather the sequels, are well-known: a series of hilarious misadventures through time that have left audiences in stitches with each installment.

Playing multiple characters, including Dr. Evil and the titular MI-6 agent, Mike Myers created a sensation and has been celebrated as one of the funniest actors of his generation.

Myers starred in all three films of the franchise: “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” (1997), available on DVD and Blu-Ray, and its sequels “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999) and “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002), available for streaming on VOD.