Sir Roger Moore, James Bond actor, dies at 89 | Ents & Arts News | Sky News

Sir Roger Moore, James Bond actor, dies at 89

The actor was the oldest and longest-serving James Bond, having played 007 in seven films after taking on the role aged 45.

By Duarte Garrido, Entertainment Reporter

Tuesday 23 May 2017 18:17, UK

Moore in one of his most famous movies, 1973's 007: Live And Let Die
Image: Sir Roger in his first James Bond film - Live And Let Die in 1973
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James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore has died after a "brave battle with cancer", his family have said.

Sir Roger, 89, died in Switzerland on Tuesday, a statement signed by his three children said.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today after a short but brave battle with cancer," said the statement, which was published on his Twitter page.

"The love in which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone."

:: Tributes to 'King of Cool' Sir Roger Moore

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Nobody did it better - Roger Moore's film and TV career

Sir Roger was famous for his roles in The Saint and the James Bond movies. The latter made him one of the most successful actors of his generation.

He played the womanising MI6 agent more than any other actor, having portrayed 007 in seven films.

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He was also the oldest actor to ever take on the famous spy role, making his Bond debut at the age of 45.

His first Bond was Live And Let Die (1973), which the producers made him lose weight, get fit and cut his hair for.

Sir Roger played the womaniser Bond in seven films
Image: Sir Roger was the oldest actor to play Bond, taking on the role aged 45

Sir Roger's 007 was known for his elegance and cold ruthlessness.

He went on to make The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983) - before signing off after A View to a Kill in 1985 when he was 57.

But Sir Roger first achieved worldwide fame as smooth-talking adventurer Simon Templar in the TV series The Saint.

He also starred alongside Tony Curtis in the 1970s crime series The Persuaders.

  1. Moore was the longest-running Bond in 007 history
    Image: Sir Roger Moore was the longest-running Bond in 007 history
  2. 1955: Roger Moore wearing a grey tank in his modelling days before James Bond
    Image: He was a model before he earned fame as an actor and is seen here posing for the camera in 1955
  3. 1955: Roger Moore on a morning ride in Hollywood
    Image: This early picture of him, also from around 1955, shows him on a morning ride in Hollywood
  4. 1968: Sir Roger Moore filming in the grounds of Woburn Abbey with his Italian co-star, Claudie Lange, for the film 'Crossplot'
    Image: He starred with Claudie Lange in the 1969 film Crossplot
  5. 1968: Before Bond he was best known for his mystery spy thriller television series 'The Saint'
    Image: Before Bond, the actor was best known for his role as the debonair Simon Templar in the TV series The Saint
  6. 1972: Roger Moore sports a coiffured hairdo as Lord Brett Sinclair in the 70s television series 'The Persuaders'
    Image: He played Lord Brett Sinclair in the 1970s TV series The Persuaders. With him is Catherine Schell, who played his wife
  7. Moore in one of his most famous movies, 1973's 007: Live And Let Die
    Image: Sir Roger's first outing as 007 was in the 1973 film Live And Let Die
  8. 1973: Roger Moore on location for the filming of the James Bond 007 movie 'Live and Let Die'
    Image: He was the oldest actor to ever take on the famous role, making his Bond debut at the age of 45
  9. Sir Roger played the womaniser Bond in seven films
    Image: In all, he played the womanising spy James Bond in seven films
  10. 1983: The British actor arrives at the premiere of 'Octopussy' with co-star Maud Adams
    Image: At the premiere of Octopussy with co-star Maud Adams in 1983
  11. On the set of A View To A Kill in Paris in 1984
    Image: On the set of A View To A Kill in Paris in 1984
  12. Here he poses with fellow British actor Michael Caine in 2000
    Image: Here he poses with fellow actor Michael Caine in 2000
  13. 2002: Roger Moore and his wife arrive for the wedding of Joan Collins
    Image: Sir Roger and his wife attend the wedding of Joan Collins in 2002
  14. 2003: Sir Roger Moore and his wife Kristina wave as they pose with children as part of a visit in his role as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund
    Image: Sir Roger and his wife Kristina in his role as a goodwill ambassador for the UN
  15. Here he dons a Manchester United shirt before a UNICEF Benefit match in 2002
    Image: Here he dons a special 007 Manchester United shirt before a UNICEF charity football match
  16. 2003: Roger Moore receives his knighthood
    Image: The actor was knighted in 2003
  17. He published his biography Forever James Bond in 2008
    Image: The star published his biography Forever James Bond in 2008
  18. He met Prince Phillip at a celebration for the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2016
    Image: Pictured with Prince Phillip at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2016

London-born Sir Roger once joked he could not act "in the Olivier sense".

"When I was doing The Saint on television I had two expressions; as Bond I've managed to work up to four," he said.

He was also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, a role he took on after a visit to India.

After receiving a knighthood in 2003 in recognition for his work with the organisation, Sir Roger said it had "meant far more to me than if I had got it for acting".

"I was proud because I received it on behalf of UNICEF as a whole and for all it has achieved over the years," he said.

The statement from his children also said: "We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF, which he considered to be his greatest achievement.

Moore
Image: Sir Roger received a knighthood for his work for UNICEF

"The affection our father felt whenever he walked on to a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him hugely and kept him busy working into his 90th year," they added.

"The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundations of the building just a short distance from where he was born.

"Thank you Pops for being you, and for being so very special to so many people."

A private funeral will be held for Sir Roger according to his wishes, his family said.

He is survived by his fourth wife, Kristina Tholstrup, who he married in 2002, and his three children.