Roger Moore, Star Of James Bond Movies, Dies
Roger Moore, the handsome English actor who appeared in seven films as James Bond and as Simon Templar on “The Saint” TV series, has died in Switzerland after a short battle with cancer. He was 89.
His family issued an announcement on Twitter: “It is the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.”
With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.
Moore appeared in more official Bond pics than his friend Sean Connery over a longer period of time, and while Connery’s fans were fiercely loyal, polls showed that many others favored Moore’s lighter, more humorous take on 007.
In 1972, Moore was asked to join Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He took on the mantle of 007 for 1973’s “Live and Let Die,” which would lead to six more turns as England’s top spy. In addition to reviving the franchise at the B.O. after waning prospects at the end of Connery’s run, the new James Bond relied on more humor in stories that cranked up the camp.
Moore as Bond began to shake off the Connery comparisons and pick up speed after 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” launched the series into super-blockbuster status, raking in $185.4 million worldwide. Next up, the outer space-traveling “Moonraker” (1979) cumed $202 million and 1981’s “For Your Eyes Only” took $194 million.
“Octopussy” (1983) marked a downward turn in the franchise’s fortunes, with B.O. of $183.7 million, and 1985’s “A View to a Kill” saw the actor ready to surrender his license to kill, taking in a little over $150 million.
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Moore was my favorite James Bond. It was the tongue in cheek approach.
This article was wiped off the front page when I turned on my computer, and I didn't see it until I was going to post the news myself on the Entertainment Forum. Yet another favourite star gone. RIP Sir Roger.
RIP to Roger Moore. He was great as Simon Templar. However and no offense intended to him there was only one James Bond. Sean Connery. IMHO
I agree with that - Sean Connery WAS James Bond.
I agree. Roger Moore was great as the Saint but Sean Connery was James Bond. I like Daniel Craig too even though he's devoid of humor.
A lot of people think The Spy Who Loved Me was the best Bond movie.
I say that one and Goldfinger.
I was always a fan of the first three. Dr. No, From Russia with Love and Goldfinger.
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May Roger Moore rest in peace. He made a good James Bond and was about the only person I can think of to keep the franchise alive after Connery quit. I will miss him. My prayers are with his family and friends.
I always enjoyed him as Bond...I would say that Sean Connery was my favorite, but Roger Moore was a very close second.
After Moore I don't believe that I've seen another in the series.
RIP Roger.
I thought Pierce Brosnan was good. I've only seen the first one with Daniel Craig as Bond, but I am intending to watch Skyfall (which got great reviews) at some point.
I'm too young to remember Sean Connery as Bond, Roger Moore was the first Bond I remember seeing and I thought he was great at it. I did like his dry humor he brought to the screen, as opposed to the 'dark' Bond that Daniel Craig has done for a few movies now. With that, I wish him and his family peace and know they will remember him fondly.
Dear Friend John Russell: I never watched a James Bond movie I didn't like.
All the actors, in each in their own unique ways did masterful jobs.
Enoch. Reb Enoch.
I think you are right, they were all good. Careful consideration was given to all the actors that played Bond, and they chose ones that had a certain something that conveyed the essence of the character, albeit in a little bit different ways. James Bond is nothing if not cool and unflappable and determined, and they all put that across.