Legendary British actor Roger Moore – best known for his role as the super spy James Bond – has passed away aged 89 after a battle with cancer, his family have announced on Twitter.
With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated. pic.twitter.com/6dhiA6dnVg
— Sir Roger Moore (Legacy) (@sirrogermoore) May 23, 2017
Born in London in 1927, Moore began his career as a model in the 1950s, before signing a seven-year contract with MGM in 1954. After early appearances in the likes of Interrupted Melody, The King’s Thief and The Miracle, Moore would go on to make his name in television with roles in Ivanhoe, The Alaskans, Maverick and The Saint, the latter of which brought him worldwide fame as Simon Templar.
Originally a contender to replace Sean Connery as James Bond following 1967’s You Only Live Twice (at which time he was unavailable due to his TV commitments), Moore was eventually cast as the third 007, making his debut in 1973’s Live and Let Die. He would go on to reprise the role for a further six outings over the next 12 years, making him the longest-serving actor to portray Bond, as well as the oldest at 58 with his final appearance in 1985’s A View to a Kill.
Moore would go on to make sporadic film appearances following his time as Bond, as well as devoting much of his time to humanitarian and charity work.
Originally published May 23, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
