Perhaps best known for reprising the role of James Bond in seven films throughout the 1970s, Sir Roger Moore had a long, storied Hollywood career. On the day he would have turned 90, we look back at his career.
Moore said he didn't take the role of James Bond too seriouslyImage: picture-alliance/dpa
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Roger Moore's career in pictures
From James Bond to Simon Templar, Roger Moore performed his roles with style — and a touch of British humor. The star, who passed away in May, would have turned 90 today. Here's a look back at his biggest moments.
Image: picture-alliance/KPA
Star with style
Roger more had actually wanted to become a painter. But then he served in the British military and changed his plans. In 1953, Moore, of modest means at the time, moved to the US. He embarked on the film career that would make him world famous. Here are some of the British star's most significant roles.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Simon Templar — a modern Robin Hood
Working against drug lords and corrupt authorities, the charming gentleman Simon Templar alias Roger Moore investigated cases around the world and rescued women — Robin Hood-style — in dangerous situations. The TV series from 1962 was broadcast in 90 countries and launched Moore to global fame.
Image: Picture alliance/kpa
The aristocrat
They drive expensive cars, wear classy suits and chase ruthless gangsters. Roger Moore and Tony Curtis were the cool guys of their day. As the aristocrat Lord Brett Sinclair (Moore, left) and the American playboy Danny Wild (Curtis, right), the duo achieved cult status in the early 1970s in the series "The Persuaders."
Image: Picture alliance/Keystone
A new James Bond
Roger Moore played the role of the womanizing Agent 007 seven times — as many times as Sean Connery. But Moore gave Bond a fresh image in 1973. Instead of smoking cigarettes, he preferred cigars, and instead of bourbon, he drank whisky. He also brought a great deal of irony and British humor to the role.
Image: Imago/United Archives
James Bond in space
With Roger Moore in the lead, the James Bond film "Moonraker" from 1979 is one of the most successful in the series. In the film, a space shuttle is stolen and Agent 007 is sent to the rescue. Moore portrays the British agent as an eloquent hero who doesn't even lose a drop of sweat in the most stressful of situations.
Image: picture-alliance/KPA
Walk of Fame
In October 2007, Roger Moore was honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. It's not the actor's only accolade. In 2003, he received the Bundesverdienstkreuz — Germany's highest civilian honor — for his support of German-British relations. In the same year, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Back in 1980 already, he had received the Golden Globe Award for World Film Favorite.
Image: Imago/Zumapress
Moore the philanthropist
Roger Moore became a UNICEF ambassador in 1991 and used his popularity to raise funds for under-privileged children — an endeavor he was fully committed to. For his philanthropy, the actor was awarded a Golden Camera in 1992. UNICEF has called Moore a "true friend" of children all over the world.
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Perhaps best known for reprising the role of British agent 007, Sir Roger Moore had a long, storied Hollywood career. The actor most will fondly remember for his portrayal of James Bond in seven films throughout the 1970s died of cancer in May.
In the announcement of his death, Moore's three children emphasized not only his work in television and film but also his commitment to UNICEF, "which he considered to be his greatest achievement."
In the announcement, they not only emphasized his work in television and film but also his commitment to UNICEF, "which he considered to be his greatest achievement."
Roger Moore portrayed the fearless secret agent James Bond - whom he fondly referred to as "Jimmy Bond" - seven times between 1973 and 1985. He debuted his part as "007" in "Live and Let Die" at the age of 45 and continued to shape the adventurous role over the next 12 years.
"I'm not that cold-blooded killer type. Which is why I play it mostly for laughs," Moore once said.
Roger Moore debuted as James Bond in "Live and Let Die"Image: Imago/United Archives
At a ceremony for his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2007, Moore commented, "Sadly, I had to retire from the Bond films. The girls were getting younger and I was just getting too old."
He was 57 when he made his final Bond film, "A View to Kill," in 1985. He was succeeded by Timothy Dalton.
Roger Moore's start in TV
While James Bond may be his most famous role, Moore was already a household name when he took the part. After moving from the UK to the US in 1953, he made a name for himself in TV shows like "Ivanhoe," loosely adapted from Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel, and "Maverick" - a part his fellow Bond actor Sean Connery had turned down.
Moore was catapulted to global fame in the 1960s as the clever hero Simon Templar in the British television series "The Saint," which ran from 1962 to 1969. He also played alongside Tony Curtis in the 1970s series "The Persuaders."
Other notable films of recent years include "The Quest" (1996), directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme, "Spice World" (1997), a quirky comedy about the British girl band Spice Girls, and the romantic comedy "Boat Trip" (2002).
Life of luxury - and philanthropy
Sir Roger Moore was a UNICEF Goodwill AmbassadorImage: picture alliance/dpa/R. Vennenbernd
Considered one of the last of the old guard of actors, Moore lived a life of luxury, maintaining houses in Switzerland and Monaco. Nevertheless, he was passionate about philanthropy as well.
In 1991, he became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked to raise funds for under-privileged children. His work with UNICEF earned him his knighthood in 2003.
Roger Moore was married four times and had two sons and a daughter. A private funeral was held for Moore in Monaco, in accordance with his wishes.
