Sir Roger George Moore (October 14, 1927 – May 23, 2017) was an English actor best known for his role as James Bond in seven feature films from 1973 to 1985. He was the third actor to portray Ian Fleming’s fictional secret agent in the Eon Productions/MGM Studios film series.
Early Life
Roger Moore was born in Stockwell, London, to George Alfred Moore, a policeman, and Lillian “Lily” Pope. He attended Battersea Grammar School and was evacuated to Holsworthy in Devon during World War II. Moore later attended Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. He was introduced to the film industry by director Brian Desmond Hurst, who paid for his fees at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Career
Moore made his professional debut in the 1945 film Caesar and Cleopatra. He gained fame for his role as Simon Templar in the British TV series The Saint (1962-1969). Moore’s portrayal of James Bond began with Live and Let Die (1973) and continued through A View to a Kill (1985). His other notable roles include Beau Maverick in the American series Maverick (1960-1961) and Lord Brett Sinclair in The Persuaders! (1971-1972).
Humanitarian Work
Inspired by his friend Audrey Hepburn, Moore became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his services to charity.
Personal Life
Moore was married four times and had three children. He became a tax exile from the UK in 1978, living in Switzerland and Monaco. Moore passed away on May 23, 2017, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, from cancer.
