It’s a sad day for Bond fans with the news of the passing of Sir Roger Moore at age 89 after a short battle with cancer. The charismatic actor wore the 007 mantle for seven films playing the super suave British secret agent, James Bond from 1973 to 1985, replacing Sean Connery and went on to be the longest serving Bond to date.
Roger had early success on television portraying Simon Templar in the “The Saint” and that role groomed him well for taking over the 007 franchise. He did have quite the television resume before taking on films including roles in “Ivanhoe”, “The Alaskans” and “Maverick” and with Tony Curtis in “The Persuaders”.
His big break came in 1973’s “Live and Left Die” that launched Moore’s Bond. Roger brought a smoother more gentlemanly vibe to the role compared to Sean’s rough and tumble Bond. The mix worked well and it brought a new standard to how Bond would be played in future films.
Some of the classic bond films Roger will be remembered for include The Spy Who Loved Me, Man With the Golden Gun, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy.
His Bond movies, as many late 70s early 80s films, were unfortunately a bit campy and a bit slapstickish at times however there are undeniable classic scenes that will remain a huge part of the bond lore.
The debate of who was the best Bond always seems a pointless conversation. Usually, the Bond you grew up with is your favorite Bond but an argument can be made that Moore’s 007 set the standard of how future Bonds were to be played.
Roger will not only be remembered for his impressive body of work but also for his humanitarian efforts as well. He was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991 and was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his “Services To Charity”. He will be missed.