Roger Moore, the James Bond actor who stole our hearts, is no more
- Roger Moore passed away in Switzerland after a brief battle with cancer.
- His three children announced his death on Twitter.
FollowBritish actor Roger Moore, best known for his role as James Bond in films such as Live and Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me, passed away on Tuesday in Switzerland after a brief battle with cancer. He was 89.
"With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated," his family said in a statement posted on Moore's official Twitter account.
"The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone," the statement from his kids read. Moore was the only actor who portrayed the popular fictional spy in seven movies between 1973 and 1985. He was known for his old-school acting techniques that made him a popular choice for the British spy who lives in luxury, fights the evils of the world and is forever, the bachelor.
Fans of the James Bond series no doubt remember the actor's role in movies such as Octopussy, For Your Eyes Only and A View to Kill, among others. Moore, who identified with the character very closely, referred to his on-screen role as Jimmy Bond on several occasions.
He once said in an interview with The Guardian, "Being eternally known as Bond has no downside. People often call me ‘Mr Bond’ when we’re out and I don’t mind a bit. Why would I?"
Moore got his first break in acting in the 50s after he signed a seven year contract with MGM. His first few films weren't blockbuster hits. He had his first break when he appeared in the TV show, Ivanhoe. From then on, he never looked back on his acting career. Shortly later, he was offered the role of James Bond and after his final Bond movie, he took a break from the world of cinema.
In 2003, he was awarded knighthood and later became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador He is survived by his wife Kristina Tholstrup, and his three children.
His death has spurred an outpouring of grief on Twitter. Fans of the star, overcome with nostalgia, paid tribute to the actor who defined their cinematic experience of Ian Fleming's book series.
#RogerMoore R.I.P.
— LienhardRacing 11🏁 (@LienhardRacing) May 23, 2017
Goodnight, Sir Roger Moore 🍸✨ (1927–2017): the epitome of suave English gent and 007.
R.I.P Roger Moore, a true actor legend for so many James Bond films. You will always be remembered. 😌🎥🎬🔫❤ #RogerMoore
— Robbie Plant (@RobbieplantP) May 23, 2017
#RogerMoore - An iconic actor who played #JamesBond has passed away at the age of 89 due to cancer.. May his soul RIP! #RIPRogerMoore
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) May 23, 2017
My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is. Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind. #ROGERMOORE
— Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) May 23, 2017
RIP Sir Roger. My Dad made most of the jackets he wore when he was James Bond. 😢love and prayers to the family.
— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) May 23, 2017
RIP Roger Moore, superb actor and good guy- James Bond &The Saint - may heaven be filled with martinis..shaken not stirred.
— BenGarrison Cartoons (@GrrrGraphics) May 23, 2017
