FFacts On Tap Editorial Team Fact-checkedUpdated March 29, 20263 min read
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Roger Moore is best remembered as the actor who brought a lighter, wittier edge to James Bond across seven films. But there was far more to his life than 007 -- from a wartime commission in the British Army to a second act as a devoted UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Here are 21 verified facts about the man behind the raised eyebrow.
Roger George Moore was born on October 14, 1927, in Stockwell, London, the only child of a police officer and a housewife.
He got his start in film as an extra in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945), after his father, a policeman, happened to meet the film's director while investigating a burglary.
Moore made his professional acting debut the same year in Alexander Korda's Perfect Strangers (1945), alongside Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of Britain's most prestigious acting schools, where his classmates included future star Joan Collins.
During his post-war national service, Moore was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps in 1946 and later rose to captain, overseeing entertainment for British troops stationed in West Germany.
His first major starring role came on television, playing the title character in the late-1950s series 'Ivanhoe.'
From 1962 to 1969, Moore starred as Simon Templar in the popular TV series 'The Saint,' which made him an international star.
Moore was the third actor to play James Bond in the official film series, following Sean Connery and George Lazenby.
He played 007 in seven films between 1973 and 1985, making more Bond films than any other actor at that time.
At 58 years old in 'A View to a Kill' (1985), Moore became the oldest actor to portray James Bond.
In 2007, three days before turning 80, Moore received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Queen Elizabeth II knighted Moore in 2003, largely in recognition of his humanitarian work.
Moore served for years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using his fame to champion the welfare of children around the world.
He was a published author, writing several books including the memoirs 'My Word Is My Bond' and 'Bond on Bond.'
Before becoming Bond, Moore co-starred with Tony Curtis in the television series 'The Persuaders!' (1971-1972).
Moore lent his voice to animated and video-game projects, including the film 'Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore' and the video game 'James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.'
He was married four times, to Doorn Van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, Luisa Mattioli, and finally Kristina Tholstrup, who remained his wife until his death.
Moore had three children -- Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian -- all from his third marriage, to Luisa Mattioli.
During his years on 'The Saint,' Moore was known for performing many of his own stunts.
Moore received the Golden Camera Lifetime Achievement Award, a German television honor, in recognition of his body of work.
Roger Moore died on May 23, 2017, following a battle with cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Roger Moore?
Roger Moore was an English actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films from 1973 to 1985, as well as for TV roles in 'Ivanhoe,' 'The Saint,' and 'The Persuaders!'
How many times did Roger Moore play James Bond?
Roger Moore portrayed James Bond in seven films, more than any other actor in the role at the time.
What was Roger Moore's first movie?
Moore first appeared on screen as an extra in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945) and made his professional acting debut the same year in Alexander Korda's Perfect Strangers.
Was Roger Moore knighted?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth II knighted Moore in 2003, largely in recognition of his charitable and humanitarian work.
When did Roger Moore pass away?
Roger Moore died on May 23, 2017, after a battle with cancer.
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