Seven feature film appearances as James Bond between 1973 and 1985 established Roger Moore as the most frequent performer to portray the character in Eon Productions' series. Beyond his cinema work, he sustained a prolific career as a television actor, appearing in series such as The Saint, Maverick, and The Persuaders! throughout a career spanning over seven decades.
Early Development and Military Service
Born in Stockwell, London, in 1927, Moore attended Battersea Grammar School, Launceston College, and Dr Challoner's Grammar School. Following a brief stint in animation, he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before being conscripted into the British Army in 1946. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps, he served in the Combined Services Entertainment section, eventually reaching the rank of captain while managing entertainers in West Germany.
Transition to Television and Film
Moore began his acting career with uncredited roles in films like Perfect Strangers (1945) and Caesar and Cleopatra (1945). After a stint as a model, he secured a contract with MGM in 1954, appearing in The Last Time I Saw Paris and Diane. His breakthrough occurred in the television series Ivanhoe (1958–1959), where he played the lead role. He gained wider recognition as Simon Templar in The Saint (1962–1969), later starring in The Persuaders! (1971–1972) alongside Tony Curtis.
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In 1973, Moore debuted as James Bond in Live and Let Die. Over the next twelve years, he appeared in six additional films: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), and A View to a Kill (1985). This tenure remains the longest of any actor in the Eon-produced Bond franchise.
Philanthropy and Later Years
Following his work in film and television, Moore focused on humanitarian efforts. Appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991, he dedicated his later years to charity work. In 2003, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2003 and was named a Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 2008. Moore died in 2017 in Crans-Montana and was buried at Monaco Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1927, Stockwell
- Died: 2017, Crans-Montana
- Bond film count: 7
- Military rank: Captain
- UNICEF appointment: 1991
- Knighted: 2003
- Education: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Burial site: Monaco Cemetery
Questions readers ask
How many James Bond films did Roger Moore star in?
He appeared in seven Bond films for Eon Productions, ranging from Live and Let Die (1973) to A View to a Kill (1985).
What humanitarian position did he hold?
He was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991.
What was his military rank?
He served in the Royal Army Service Corps, reaching the rank of captain.
Achievements
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2003
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2003
- Affiliated with United Nations
- Educated at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Worked as television actor, film actor and stage actor