In the spirit of spotlighting some of the lesser-known characters in the Bond movies, I’m turning my attention to Valenka, Le Chiffre’s short-haired blonde girlfriend in Casino Royale, played by Ivana Miličević. She isn’t exactly a major player, with limited screen time and even fewer lines, but that striking blonde haircut certainly helps make an impression. Valenka is also one of those wonderfully obscure Bond movie roles where I’ll hear an actress described as a “Bond girl” years later, only to realize I’ve completely forgotten which character she played and immediately need to Google it.

In a pivotal moment, she summons Le Chiffre to their hotel room, prompting him to grumpily ask, “So what’s so damn important?” with the weary irritation of a husband who has just been interrupted at the worst possible time. Unfortunately for him, Valenka’s call isn’t about dinner plans, as the Ugandan terrorist Obanno is waiting with knives and a very serious demand for their money. And unfortunately for Valenka, this encounter also suggests that they aren’t exactly a devoted couple, especially as ne of the terrorists noted that Le Chiffre doesn’t protest to having her hand cut off as payment.

In an oddly fitting Bond movie fate for such a minor role, she is shot by Mr. White, although the act happens off-screen and all we hear is her struggle.