21 Facts About Roger Moore

Facts About Roger Moore
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Quick Facts

Roger Moore is a name that resonates with fans of the film industry. An iconic actor, he’s most notably known for his role as James Bond.

Yet, there’s so much more to Moore than just his Bond days. Let’s delve into 21 fascinating facts about Roger Moore.

Facts About Roger Moore

  1. Roger Moore Was Born in London: Roger George Moore was born on October 14, 1927, in Stockwell, London. He was the only child of a policeman and a housewife. His humble beginnings in a London suburb instilled in him a grounded personality which he carried throughout his life.
  2. Moore’s Acting Journey Began Early: Roger Moore’s interest in acting sparked at an early age. He made his first film appearance in 1945, in a minor role in the movie ‘Perfect Strangers’. This ignited the passion in Moore to pursue a career in the film industry.
  3. Roger Moore Was a Trained Actor: He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the UK’s most prestigious acting schools. Here, he honed his skills alongside future stars like Joan Collins.
  4. Moore Served in the Military: During World War II, Moore was conscripted into national service. He served as a second lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps. His military service was brief but formative, enhancing his discipline and resilience.
  5. His First Leading Role Was in Television: Moore’s first major role was in the 1950s TV series ‘Ivanhoe’. His portrayal of the titular character garnered him significant attention and recognition.
  6. Moore Starred in ‘The Saint’: Before his iconic turn as James Bond, Moore starred in the popular TV series ‘The Saint’ between 1962 and 1969. His role as Simon Templar significantly raised his profile as an actor.
  7. He Was the Third Actor to Play James Bond: Roger Moore was the third actor to portray James Bond, following Sean Connery and George Lazenby. He played the role in seven films between 1973 and 1985, becoming the longest-serving Bond.
  8. Roger Moore Was the Oldest Actor to Play Bond: When he last played James Bond in ‘A View to a Kill’, Moore was 58, making him the oldest actor to play the role.
  9. Moore Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2007, Moore was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his significant contributions to the film industry.
  10. Moore Was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II: In 2003, Roger Moore was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his charity work, especially his contributions as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
  11. Roger Moore Passed Away in 2017: Moore passed away on May 23, 2017, after a brief battle with cancer. His legacy, however, lives on in his iconic roles and humanitarian work.
  12.  Moore was a Published Author: Apart from his acting career, Moore was also a successful author. He penned several books throughout his life, including his memoirs “My Word is My Bond” and “Bond on Bond”. These books provided a unique insight into his life and his iconic role as James Bond.
  13. He Had a Passion for Humanitarian Work: Moore was passionate about humanitarian work. His role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador highlighted his commitment to global causes, particularly the welfare of children.
  14. Moore Participated in the Korean War: During his military service, Moore was stationed in Germany and later participated in the Korean War. This wartime experience profoundly impacted him and shaped his worldview.
  15. He Worked in Live Theatre: Before his film and television career, Moore worked in live theatre. He toured the UK with a variety of productions, honing his craft and gaining valuable experience.
  16. Moore Was a Voice Actor: Moore lent his voice to a number of animated films and video games, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His voice roles include ‘Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore’ and the video game ‘James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.
  17. He Was Married Four Times: Roger Moore was married four times. His wives were Doorn Van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, Luisa Mattioli, and finally, Kristina Tholstrup, with whom he remained until his death.
  18. Moore Had Three Children: Moore had three children, all from his third marriage to Luisa Mattioli: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian.
  19. He Co-starred with Tony Curtis in ‘The Persuaders!’: Before becoming James Bond, Moore starred alongside Tony Curtis in the television series ‘The Persuaders!’. The series, however, was short-lived due to the overwhelming popularity of James Bond films.
  20. Moore Did His Own Stunts in ‘The Saint’: During his time in ‘The Saint’, Moore often performed his own stunts. This commitment to authenticity showcased his dedication to his craft.
  21. He Won a Lifetime Achievement Award: In recognition of his impressive body of work, Moore was awarded the Golden Camera Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Conclusion

Despite his passing, Roger Moore remains an icon in the film industry and beyond.

His iconic roles, particularly as James Bond, and his humanitarian work with UNICEF, highlight a man of immense talent and generous spirit.

Moore’s story is proof that a person can leave an indelible mark in multiple spheres of life.

FAQ

Who was Roger Moore?

Roger Moore was an English actor, best known for his role as James Bond in seven films from 1973 to 1985.

How many times did Roger Moore play James Bond?

Roger Moore portrayed James Bond in seven films.

What was Roger Moore’s first movie?

Roger Moore’s first film was ‘Perfect Strangers’ in 1945, in which he had a minor role.

Was Roger Moore knighted?

Yes, Roger Moore was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his charitable work.

When did Roger Moore pass away?

Roger Moore passed away on May 23, 2017.

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