Roger Moore
Roger Moore
(born October 14, 1927 in London, England)
Bond Films: 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)
Other Notable Work: Act of Violence (1949), The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954), Interrupted Melody (1955), Diane (1956), The Miracle (1959), The Saint [TV series] (1962-1969), Crossplot (1969), The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970), Gold (1974), That Lucky Touch (1975), The Executioner (1976), The Sea Wolves (1980), Cannonball Run (1981), Bed and Breakfast (1992), Spice World (1997)
Roger became interested in acting after he was hired as an extra in various movies during the 1940's. He received education at the Royal Academy of Drama and appeared in a few plays before being called to the British Army. He then served as 2nd Lieutenant with a Combined Services Entertainment Unit that was stationed in Germany during World War II.
After the war, Moore returned to theatre, radio, and television. He
also found work as a model and salesman. Roger didn't come to the United
States until 1953, when he signed a film contract with MGM. It wasn't
long before he got supporting
r
oles
in many MGM pictures. Moore also starred in three well-received television
shows: Ivanhoe, Maverick, and The Saint.
The Saint was the popular television program that launched Roger Moore's career. He played Simon Templar, a man who took on a different identity each week. It lasted for seven successful seasons. Roger's contract for that show prevented him from taking the 007 role at the series' beginning in 1962. Sean Connery got the part and became hugely popular as Bond.
The James Bond series gave Roger a second shot at the role ten years later, after Connery's Diamonds Are Forever. Live and Let Die was Moore's first shot at putting on Bond's coveted tuxedo.
During the Moore era of Bond, the scripts were decidedly different, and tailored more to Roger's humorous and cynical look at 007. He lasted for seven Bond films before leaving the role in 1985.
Today Roger Moore still makes small appearances in film and television, but is most passionate about his continuing work for UNICEF, where he is Special Representative for the Fine Arts Division, a position previously held by Audrey Hepburn. UNICEF is one of the leading forces in helping children in underdeveloped countries around the world. Moore has been honored many times for his charitable work in the organization.
Roger has been married three times, and has three children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. He currently lives in Switzerland. Much like Bond, he enjoys exercising, skiing, and backgammon.
What Moore Did For Bond: Roger Moore has described his Bond movies as "tongue in cheek", explaining that he attempted to bring a lighter side to the role of 007. Roger certainly accomplished his goal, abandoning the rough-edged Connery approach for a more sardonic Bond, which fit in perfectly with the era of campy, abstract 007 films. In the debate of who is the greatest James Bond, Roger Moore seems to be pretty high on almost everyone's list. Plus, he got to use more of the 007 gadgets than any of the five James Bonds.