Sir Roger George Moore, born on 14 October 1927 in Stockwell, London, was an English actor who became one of the most recognizable faces in cinema history. He is best remembered for bringing a distinctive blend of charm and self-deprecating wit to the role of James Bond, a character he played in seven films between 1973 and 1985. Before and after his tenure as 007, Moore was a major television star, notably through his long-running role in The Saint.
Moore’s career spanned more than six decades, during which he transitioned from early modeling work and small screen roles to become one of the highest-paid actors of his generation. His legacy, however, extends beyond entertainment. He was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991 and was knighted in 2003 for his charitable services. Moore passed away on 23 May 2017 at the age of 89, leaving behind a body of work that continues to attract new audiences.
What Was Roger Moore’s Cause of Death?
- Moore brought a lighter, more humorous tone to James Bond compared to Sean Connery.
- He was the longest-serving Bond actor by number of films (7), though not by years.
- Moore’s early career included defining TV roles in The Saint and The Persuaders!.
- He served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over 25 years.
- His cause of death was cancer, confirmed by his family and obituaries.
- He was knighted in 2003 for his humanitarian work.
- Moore was married three times and had three children.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sir Roger George Moore |
| Born | 14 October 1927, Stockwell, London, England |
| Died | 23 May 2017, Crans-Montana, Switzerland |
| Age at death | 89 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Spouses | Doorn van Steyn (m. 1946–1953), Dorothy Squires (m. 1953–1968), Luisa Mattioli (m. 1969–2017) |
| Children | 3 (Deborah, Geoffrey, Christian) |
| James Bond films | 7 |
| Net worth at death | Estimated $100 million (unverified) |
| Knighted | 2003 |
| UNICEF appointment | 9 August 1991 |
Who Was Roger Moore’s Spouse?
How Many Times Was Roger Moore Married?
Roger Moore was married three times. His first marriage was to Doorn van Steyn in 1946, which ended in divorce in 1953. That same year, he married singer Dorothy Squires; that marriage also ended in divorce, in 1968.
Who Was Roger Moore’s Last Wife?
Moore’s third and final marriage was to Italian actress Luisa Mattioli in 1969. The couple remained together until Moore’s death in 2017, making it his longest marriage at nearly 48 years. The retrieved sources do not provide a full, verified list of his children, though three children—Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian—are frequently mentioned in biographies.
While it is widely reported that Moore had three children, the available sources do not offer a complete and independently verified breakdown of his family tree. Details regarding his first two marriages remain relatively sparse in comparison to his later life with Luisa Mattioli.
How Many James Bond Movies Did Roger Moore Star In?
Roger Moore starred in seven official James Bond films, beginning with Live and Let Die in 1973 and ending with A View to a Kill in 1985. His portrayal of the character defined an era of the franchise, replacing Sean Connery’s gritty realism with a more playful and self-aware tone. After Moore stepped down, Timothy Dalton took over the role.
Which James Bond Movies Did Roger Moore Star In?
- Live and Let Die (1973)
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
- The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
- Moonraker (1979)
- For Your Eyes Only (1981)
- Octopussy (1983)
- A View to a Kill (1985)
Moore’s Bond films were commercially successful, and he holds the record for the most official Bond films starring one actor. His lighthearted approach was a deliberate choice; Moore once stated that he never took himself too seriously, and he believed the audience shared that sentiment.
What Was Roger Moore’s Height and Net Worth?
How Tall Was Roger Moore?
Roger Moore’s height is commonly listed as 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), though some sources occasionally cite 6 ft 2 in. The variation is minor and does not affect the general consensus that he was a tall, commanding presence on screen. More precise measurements are not reliably confirmed across the retrieved sources.
What Was Roger Moore’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
Net worth figures for celebrities are often speculative, and Moore’s is no exception. Estimates at the time of his death ranged from approximately $90 million to $150 million. These figures have not been verified through official financial disclosures, so they should be treated as informed estimates rather than definitive sums.
The exact net worth of Sir Roger Moore has not been confirmed by his estate or a public financial audit. The figures cited in various media outlets are based on estimations from his film earnings, television work, and endorsements, but they remain unverified.
What Was Roger Moore’s Early Career Like?
How Did Roger Moore Get Into Acting?
Moore was born in Stockwell, the only child of a policeman father. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and began his career in the entertainment industry through modeling and small, uncredited screen roles. His first film appearance was in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945), though the part was minor.
What TV Series Did Roger Moore Star in Before James Bond?
Before becoming Bond, Moore was already a major television star. He portrayed Simon Templar in The Saint from 1962 to 1969, a role that made him a household name. He later co-starred with Tony Curtis in The Persuaders! (1971–1972), further cementing his reputation as a charismatic leading man. He also appeared in earlier TV series such as Ivanhoe (1957–1962).
Timeline of Roger Moore’s Life and Career
- 1927: Born in London, England.
- 1946–1953: First marriage to Doorn van Steyn.
- 1953: Married Dorothy Squires.
- 1962–1969: Played Simon Templar in The Saint.
- 1969: Married Luisa Mattioli.
- 1971–1972: Co-starred in The Persuaders! with Tony Curtis.
- 1973: First James Bond film, Live and Let Die.
- 1985: Last James Bond film, A View to a Kill.
- 1991: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
- 2003: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for charitable services.
- 2017: Died after a brief battle with cancer.
Certainty and Uncertainty: What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: cancer (confirmed by family and obituaries) | The specific type of cancer (e.g., liver cancer) has not been officially confirmed. |
| Date of death: 23 May 2017 | Exact net worth is not publicly verified; estimates range from $90 million to $150 million. |
| Number of Bond films: 7 | His height is sometimes listed as 6 ft 2 in; most reliable sources say 6 ft 1 in. |
| Marriages: three times | A full, verified list of his children is not consistently documented across sources. |
What Was Roger Moore’s Impact on the Bond Franchise and Beyond?
Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond was a significant departure from that of Sean Connery. He embraced a lighter, more comedic tone that drew criticism from some purists but proved immensely popular with global audiences. His films were box-office successes, and he is now remembered as one of the most distinctive and beloved actors to have worn the tuxedo.
Outside of Bond, Moore’s work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador—a role he held from 1991—highlighted a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. He spent his later years living quietly in Switzerland, away from the public eye. His legacy remains that of a charming entertainer who never took himself too seriously, a quality that defined both his career and his personality.
Notable Quotes and Sources on Roger Moore
“Irreverent and knowing as James Bond.”
– The Guardian obituary
“I never took myself seriously, and I think the audience didn’t either.”
– Roger Moore on his portrayal of James Bond
“Sir Roger was a dedicated ambassador for children.”
– UNICEF tribute statement
Summary: Who Was Sir Roger Moore?
Sir Roger Moore was an English actor who became an international icon through his seven-film run as James Bond and his long-running television role in The Saint. He was known for his charm, his lighthearted approach to acting, and his humanitarian work with UNICEF. He was knighted in 2003 and passed away in 2017 at the age of 89. For more on his contemporaries, see Bruce Forsyth. To explore the career of another star from the Bond universe, read about Olga Kurylenko – Complete Biography and Film Career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roger Moore
Did Roger Moore ever win an Oscar?
No, Roger Moore never won an Academy Award. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in The Saint TV series.
Was Roger Moore in the military?
Yes, he served in the British Army’s Royal Army Service Corps during World War II, but was discharged due to health issues.
What was Roger Moore’s first movie role?
His first film role was an uncredited appearance in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945).
Did Roger Moore have any children?
Yes, he had three children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian.
What was Roger Moore’s age when he died?
He was 89 years old when he died on 23 May 2017.
Who played James Bond after Roger Moore?
Timothy Dalton took over the role of James Bond after Moore, beginning with The Living Daylights in 1987.
What TV show did Roger Moore star in before Bond?
He starred as Simon Templar in The Saint (1962–1969) and later in The Persuaders! (1971–1972).
Was Roger Moore knighted?
Yes, he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for his charitable services.
What was Roger Moore’s net worth at death?
Estimates vary widely, ranging from about $90 million to $150 million, but these figures are unverified.
How many times was Roger Moore married?
He was married three times: to Doorn van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, and Luisa Mattioli.
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William Ashby is Editor-in-Chief at Current UK, responsible for editorial policy, publication decisions and the corrections process.