Sir Roger Moore, the English actor who brought a wry smile and a raised eyebrow to the role of James Bond, remains one of the most recognizable figures in cinema history. Born in London on 14 October 1927, he died on 23 May 2017 at his home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, at the age of 89. His career spanned more than seven decades, from early stage work and television series such as The Saint to the seven Bond films that defined his public image.
Moore’s approach to 007 was markedly different from that of his predecessor, Sean Connery. He played the role with a lighter, more satirical touch, a choice that drew both criticism and enormous box-office success. Off screen, he was known for his charitable work with UNICEF and his self-deprecating humour. He was knighted in 2003 for services to film and charity.
His death after a short battle with cancer prompted tributes from colleagues and fans around the world. Understanding the details of his life, his career, and the circumstances of his passing requires a look at the facts as they are recorded in reliable sources.
How Did Roger Moore Die?
14 October 1927, London, England
23 May 2017, Crans-Montana, Switzerland (age 89)
4 marriages
James Bond (7 films), The Saint, The Persuaders!
- Roger Moore played James Bond in seven official films, the most of any actor in the Eon-produced series.
- He brought a lighter, more humorous tone to the character compared to Sean Connery.
- Moore was knighted in 2003 for his services to film and charity (UNICEF).
- His cause of death was confirmed as cancer, specifically prostate and liver metastases.
- He was married four times and had three biological children.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 October 1927, Stockwell, London, England |
| Died | 23 May 2017, Crans-Montana, Switzerland |
| Age at Death | 89 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer (prostate and liver) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1945–2017 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Spouses | 4 |
| Children | 3 biological, 2 step |
| Net Worth | Estimated $90 million |
| James Bond Films | 7 (1973–1985) |
Moore died at his home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on 23 May 2017. His family confirmed that he had been battling cancer for a short period. According to People magazine, the cause was prostate cancer that had spread to the liver. His children were with him at the time of his death. Tributes from colleagues and fans followed swiftly, with many recalling his charm and generosity.
Who Was Roger Moore Married To? (Spouse and Family)
Moore married four times, and his personal life was marked by both long partnerships and difficult separations. His first marriage, to Dorothy Van Steyn, took place when he was just 17 and still a student at RADA. The marriage ended in divorce in 1953.
Dorothy Squires and Luisa Mattioli
His second wife was the singer Dorothy Squires, who was 12 years his senior. They married in New Jersey in 1953, but the relationship became turbulent and ended in divorce in 1968. According to BBC News, the marriage was marked by legal disputes and public acrimony.
In 1969, Moore married Italian actress Luisa Mattioli. They had three children together: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. The marriage lasted 38 years before ending in divorce in 1999. Daughter Deborah Moore later said in a public statement that her father was a very private man who filled his family’s life with laughter.
Kiki Tholstrup and Later Life
Moore’s fourth marriage was to Danish-Swedish socialite Kiki Tholstrup in March 2002. They lived together in Switzerland until his death, dividing their time between luxury homes and charitable work. Tholstrup was by his side throughout his final illness.
Moore had three biological children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. He also had two stepchildren from his marriage to Kiki Tholstrup. While some sources vary on the names of his children from his first marriage, Deborah and Geoffrey are consistently confirmed across People and BBC News.
What Movies Did Roger Moore Star In? (James Bond and Beyond)
Moore’s filmography is dominated by the seven James Bond films he made for Eon Productions between 1973 and 1985. He remains the actor who played Bond the most times in the official series.
His Seven Bond Films
Moore was 45 when he first took on the role in Live and Let Die (1973). He followed that with 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). He was 58 when he retired from the role, making him the oldest actor to play Bond in the Eon series. According to Wikipedia, his light-hearted approach defined the Bond films of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Television and Other Notable Films
Before Bond, Moore was already a household name thanks to the television series The Saint (1962–1969), in which he played Simon Templar. He also starred alongside Tony Curtis in The Persuaders! (1971). His other notable films include Shout at the Devil (1976), The Wild Geese (1978), and Escape to Athena (1979). His full filmography is listed on IMDb.
What Was Roger Moore’s Net Worth and Height?
Moore’s height is consistently reported as 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 metres). According to MI6-HQ, he was known to be tall but often worried about his weight, reportedly gaining it easily and needing to work it off when directors commented. His autobiography, My Word Is My Bond, also touches on this, as noted in a review of the book.
No official net worth figure for Roger Moore has been confirmed by his family or estate. Most estimates place it at around $90 million, derived from his seven Bond films, television work, and endorsements. He lived a life of luxury in Switzerland, but sources such as People note that exact figures are not publicly available.
Moore’s financial success came primarily from his long-running Bond contract and the residuals from television series. He also invested in property and received income from public appearances and charity events. The absence of a confirmed net worth means that any figure should be treated as an estimate.
Roger Moore’s Life Timeline
- 1927 – Born on 14 October in London.
- 1945 – First stage appearance; begins acting career.
- 1953 – Marries Dorothy Squires (second wife).
- 1962–1969 – Stars in TV series The Saint, becoming a household name.
- 1971–1972 – Stars in The Persuaders! with Tony Curtis.
- 1973 – First James Bond film: Live and Let Die.
- 1985 – Final Bond film: A View to a Kill.
- 1991 – Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
- 2003 – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II (KBE).
- 2017 – Dies on 23 May in Switzerland after short battle with cancer.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Roger Moore died on 23 May 2017 at age 89. | Net worth figures vary widely from $50 million to $120 million; most sources estimate around $90 million, but no official confirmation exists. |
| Cause of death was cancer (prostate and liver), confirmed by his family and medical reports. | Some minor disputes about the exact date of his first marriage (1946 vs 1947) – official records show 1946. |
| He was married four times; each marriage is well-documented. | His relationship with his children has been the subject of media speculation, but no confirmed estrangement. |
| His height (6 ft 1 in) is consistently reported. | Rumors of a possible cameo in later Bond films (e.g., Skyfall) were never confirmed. |
| He starred in exactly seven official James Bond films (Eon Productions). |
What Was Roger Moore’s Legacy?
Roger Moore redefined James Bond for the 1970s and 1980s, injecting wit and charm that contrasted with Sean Connery’s gritty portrayal. Despite criticism from purists, his films were box-office hits. Beyond Bond, his role as Simon Templar in The Saint cemented his status as a global star. Moore also dedicated much of his later life to humanitarian work with UNICEF. His legacy endures through the continued popularity of his Bond films, which are often celebrated for their fun, escapist tone. The official Roger Moore website continues to share news and archival material in his memory.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“I’m only the fourth best actor to have played James Bond.”
— Roger Moore, in an interview, as recalled in his Guardian obituary
“He was a wonderful human being, a great actor, and a dear friend.”
— Pierce Brosnan, tribute after Moore’s death
“My father was a very private man, but he filled our lives with laughter.”
— Deborah Moore, daughter, in a public statement
Final Thoughts on Roger Moore’s Life and Career
Roger Moore’s career spanned more than 70 years, from stage beginnings in London to global stardom as James Bond. He brought a distinctive lightness to the role that influenced how the character evolved. Away from the screen, his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his personal generosity left a lasting impression. New viewers continue to discover his films through streaming platforms, and his legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved actors remains secure. For those interested in exploring his work further, James Bond remains the most accessible entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roger Moore
Was Roger Moore knighted?
Yes, he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2003.
How many James Bond movies did Roger Moore make?
He starred in seven official James Bond films from 1973 to 1985.
What was Roger Moore’s first movie?
His first film role was an uncredited appearance in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945), but his first notable film was The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954).
Did Roger Moore have any children?
Yes, he had three biological children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. He also had two stepchildren from his fourth marriage.
How tall was Roger Moore?
He was 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 metres) tall.
What was Roger Moore’s net worth?
Estimated at around $90 million at the time of his death, though exact figures vary.
Where is Roger Moore buried?
He was cremated, and his ashes were interred in the family plot in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The specific location has not been publicly disclosed.
Priya Mehta is Economics & Policy Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering the UK economy, inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy and trade policy.