Roger Moore

Birthday: 14 October 1927, Stockwell, London, England, UK

Birth Name: Roger George Moore

Height: 185 cm

Roger Moore will perhaps always be remembered as the man who replaced Sean Connery in the James Bond series, arguably something he never lived down. Roger George Moore was born on October 14, 1927 in Stockwell, London, England, the son of Lillian (Pope) and George Alfred Moore, a policeman. He first wanted to be an artist, but got into films full time after becoming an extra in the late 1940s. Moore also served in the British military during the Second World War. He came to the United States in 1953. Suave, extremely handsome, and an excellent actor, he received a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His initial foray met with mixed success, with movies like Diane (1956) and Interrupted Melody (1955), as well as The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954).Moore went into television in the 1950s on series such as Ivanhoe (1958) and The Alaskans (1959), but probably received the most recognition from Maverick (1957), as cousin Beau. He received his big breakthrough, at least internationally, as The Saint (1962). The series made him a superstar and he became very successful thereafter. Moore ended his run as the Saint, and was one of the premier stars of the world, but he was not catching on in America. In an attempt to change this, he agreed to star with Tony Curtis on ITC's The Persuaders! (1971), but although hugely popular in Europe, it did not catch on in the United States and was canceled. Just prior to making the series, he starred in The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970), which proved there was far more to Moore than the light-hearted roles he had previously accepted.He was next offered and accepted the role of James Bond, and once audiences got used to the change of style from Connery's portrayal, they also accepted him. Live and Let Die (1973), his first Bond movie, grossed more outside of America than Diamonds Are Forever (1971); Connery's last outing as James Bond. He went on to star in another six Bond films, before bowing out after A View to a Kill (1985). He was age 57 at the time the film was made and was looking a little too old for Bond - it was possibly one film too many. In between times, there had been more success with appearances in films such as That Lucky Touch (1975), Shout at the Devil (1976), The Wild Geese (1978), Escape to Athena (1979) and North Sea Hijack (1980).Despite his fame from the Bond films and many others, the United States never completely took to him until he starred in The Cannonball Run (1981) alongside Burt Reynolds, a success there. After relinquishing his role as Bond, his work load tended to diminish a little, though he did star in the American box office flop Feuer, Eis & Dynamit (1990), as well as the comedy Bullseye! (1990), with Michael Caine. He did the overlooked comedy Bed & Breakfast (1991), as well as the television movie The Man Who Wouldn't Die (1994), and then the major Jean-Claude Van Damme flop The Quest (1996). Moore then took second rate roles such as Spice World (1997), and the American television series The Dream Team (1999). Although his film work may have slowed down, he is still very much in the public eye, be it appearing on television chat shows or hosting documentaries.Roger Moore was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire on December 31, 1998 in the New Years Honours for services to UNICEF, and was promoted to Knight Commander of the same order on June 14, 2003 in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the charities UNICEF and Kiwanis International. Hide

Sadly, I had to retire from the Bond films. The girls were getting younger, or I was just getting to Show more Sadly, I had to retire from the Bond films. The girls were getting younger, or I was just getting too old. Hide

[on leaving the role of James Bond] I left the role when I realized that my female co-stars had moth Show more [on leaving the role of James Bond] I left the role when I realized that my female co-stars had mothers who were younger than I was. Hide

I'm delighted to hear that Daniel Craig has been appointed the new 007. It's a very exciting time an Show more I'm delighted to hear that Daniel Craig has been appointed the new 007. It's a very exciting time and I would like to wish everyone at Eon much success, and welcome Daniel to the family. Hide

[on George Lazenby] Well, Lazenby had a big disadvantage in that he hadn't been an actor before, but Show more [on George Lazenby] Well, Lazenby had a big disadvantage in that he hadn't been an actor before, but he was a model. He did look good, and that is how he came into the role. Hide

Of course I have great pride in being English. We were brought up with the idea that 'We are the bes Show more Of course I have great pride in being English. We were brought up with the idea that 'We are the best', which is not quite true. I'm proud to be British. I said English, but I meant British. Hide

I've not planned my funeral. I'm not the Queen. A procession through the streets of Stockwell would Show more I've not planned my funeral. I'm not the Queen. A procession through the streets of Stockwell would be nice, I suppose. But when I go, I'd just like everyone to say: "He lived longer than anyone I knew.". Hide

[on the death of his friend and The Persuaders! (1971) co-star Tony Curtis] He'll be remembered as a Show more [on the death of his friend and The Persuaders! (1971) co-star Tony Curtis] He'll be remembered as a very good actor when people start reflecting on the amount of work he did both in drama and comedy. He certainly was wonderful in Some Like It Hot (1959) and he was quite brilliant in The Boston Strangler (1968) and in the film that he did with Sidney Poitier, The Defiant Ones (1958). Hide

UNICEF is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. UNICEF is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

[on A View to a Kill (1985)] I was only about four hundred years too old for the part. [on A View to a Kill (1985)] I was only about four hundred years too old for the part.

[on being awarded Knighthood for his charity work] I am doubly proud because this is an acknowledgme Show more [on being awarded Knighthood for his charity work] I am doubly proud because this is an acknowledgment of UNICEF, an organization I am honored to work for. Hide

It used to take them hours and hours in make-up to give me character. Now I've got the character, th Show more It used to take them hours and hours in make-up to give me character. Now I've got the character, they take it all out. Hide

I do not have time to sit down and regret anything although sometimes I wish I had been able to see Show more I do not have time to sit down and regret anything although sometimes I wish I had been able to see more of my parents while they were alive and have done more for them. Hide

To me, the Bond situations are so ridiculous, so outrageous. I mean, this man is supposed to be a sp Show more To me, the Bond situations are so ridiculous, so outrageous. I mean, this man is supposed to be a spy and yet, everybody knows he's a spy. Every bartender in the world offers him martinis that are shaken, not stirred. What kind of serious spy is recognized everywhere he goes? It's outrageous. So you have to treat the humor outrageously as well. My personality is entirely different than previous Bonds. I'm not that cold-blooded killer type. Which is why I play it mostly for laughs. Hide

I would have been very upset if we had had to take the Queen off our currency. They'd probably have Show more I would have been very upset if we had had to take the Queen off our currency. They'd probably have to take her off the stamps and everything. I am British and I'm fiercely independent and I think we should be independent. Hide

[what it was like working with Grace Jones on A View to a Kill (1985)] I've always said if you've no Show more [what it was like working with Grace Jones on A View to a Kill (1985)] I've always said if you've nothing nice to say about someone, then you should say nothing. So I'll say nothing about Grace Jones. Hide

Of course, I do my own stunts. And I also do my own lying. Of course, I do my own stunts. And I also do my own lying.

[on Quantum of Solace (2008)_] I didn't like the last Bond film, it was like a long, disjointed comm Show more [on Quantum of Solace (2008)_] I didn't like the last Bond film, it was like a long, disjointed commercial. Hide

Both Sean and I will be forgotten after everybody sees Pierce. After seeing Pierce Brosnan playing J Show more Both Sean and I will be forgotten after everybody sees Pierce. After seeing Pierce Brosnan playing James Bond on the set of the film GoldenEye (1995) Hide

My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised. My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised.

You're not a star till they can spell your name in Vladivostok. You're not a star till they can spell your name in Vladivostok.

Sean and I never discussed our experiences... not even with the leading ladies! Actors don't really Show more Sean and I never discussed our experiences... not even with the leading ladies! Actors don't really sit around discussing the parts they've played -- just in case someone says, "That was crap!". Hide

If I kept all my bad notices, I'd need two houses. If I kept all my bad notices, I'd need two houses.

[on his knighthood] I am so proud to be the recipient of this great honour. I accept this title on b Show more [on his knighthood] I am so proud to be the recipient of this great honour. I accept this title on behalf of the many thousands of volunteers and workers at Unicef who dedicate their lives to helping the millions of children in need around the world today. Hide

[on saving Elstree Studios]: Hertsmere Council extended it a lifeline when it needed it most, and in Show more [on saving Elstree Studios]: Hertsmere Council extended it a lifeline when it needed it most, and invested heavily. Now that they are seeking to pass on the ownership, I hope that an equally passionate and caring owner can be found; and help take the studio into one of the most exciting periods of film and new media production. Hide

I loved Casino Royale (2006) and Daniel Craig. He is a wonderful actor, certainly the best actor to Show more I loved Casino Royale (2006) and Daniel Craig. He is a wonderful actor, certainly the best actor to play Bond. I have never been guilty of method acting or even acting if you want to argue a point. Hide

I'm a Conservative. I always have been. Most young people that were brought up with parents who were Show more I'm a Conservative. I always have been. Most young people that were brought up with parents who were in jobs like the police force are Conservative in their thinking. You don't have to be rich, wealthy, high income to be Conservative. I just think that Conservatism is the way to run a country. Hide

The wonderful thing about age is that your knees don't work as well, you can't run down steps quite Show more The wonderful thing about age is that your knees don't work as well, you can't run down steps quite as easily and obviously you can't lift heavy weights. But your mind doesn't feel any different. I read the obituary columns and I think "Oh goodness, he was only 93!". Hide

If I can use what celebrity I have to open doors for the betterment of children's lives, than my car Show more If I can use what celebrity I have to open doors for the betterment of children's lives, than my career in movies has produced an added bonus. I have now been working with UNICEF for 19 years and have yet to meet a hard-headed person in the organization. Hide

Of course, I do not regret the Bond days. I regret that sadly heroes in general are depicted with gu Show more Of course, I do not regret the Bond days. I regret that sadly heroes in general are depicted with guns in their hands, and to tell the truth, I have always hated guns and what they represent. Hide

My personality is entirely different than his. I can't play the cold-blooded killer that Sean can do Show more My personality is entirely different than his. I can't play the cold-blooded killer that Sean can do so well, which is why I play it for laughs. - Comparing his portrayal of James Bond with Sean Connery's Hide

I wouldn't want to get into a fist fight with Sean. He's big. I wouldn't want to get into a fist fight with Sean. He's big.

I have seen Daniel Craig in a number of films. He is a thundering good actor. The movie Casino Royal Show more I have seen Daniel Craig in a number of films. He is a thundering good actor. The movie Casino Royale (2006) showed me that he is one hell of an athlete. Hide

[on A View to a Kill (1985)] I was horrified on the last Bond I did. Whole slews of sequences where Show more [on A View to a Kill (1985)] I was horrified on the last Bond I did. Whole slews of sequences where Christopher Walken was machine-gunning hundreds of people. I said "That wasn't Bond, those weren't Bond films." It stopped being what they were all about. You didn't dwell on the blood and the brains spewing all over the place. Hide

[on Tanya Roberts] If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all... I won' Show more [on Tanya Roberts] If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all... I won't say anything. Hide

People don't realize how physically demanding the role is. I'm still amazed how many people ask me t Show more People don't realize how physically demanding the role is. I'm still amazed how many people ask me to this day if I did my own stunts. I tell them if I did or Sean did or Pierce did then we would have been physically dead by the end of the first reel of every film! Hide

So I did four films with MGM with my face never moving. I went on to make the Saint TV series and no Show more So I did four films with MGM with my face never moving. I went on to make the Saint TV series and no-one was telling me I couldn't do this or that. I've got three expressions - left eyebrow up, right eyebrow up, both eyebrows up together. They always say that I'm the one eyebrow actor, which is true. I don't do it so much these days. I find gravity weighs things down and it's much more difficult. Hide

As a child, I had mumps and the measles. Chickenpox. Tonsils out. I didn't learn the alphabet until Show more As a child, I had mumps and the measles. Chickenpox. Tonsils out. I didn't learn the alphabet until I was 11. I was circumcised at eight. Much better than having it done later, like my old friend in the army, Captain Hornby of the Royal Artillery. Afterwards I said to Matron, "You can't call Hornby 'old cock' anymore!". Hide

[Comparing his interpretation of "James Bond" to Sean Connery's] Sean's jokes come from left field a Show more [Comparing his interpretation of "James Bond" to Sean Connery's] Sean's jokes come from left field and I let people know a joke was coming. I basically said "I'm have a good time doing this, and I hope you're having a good time watching me have a good time.". Hide

[on Quantum of Solace (2008)] I am happy to have done it, but I'm sad that it has turned so violent. Show more [on Quantum of Solace (2008)] I am happy to have done it, but I'm sad that it has turned so violent. That's keeping up with the times, it's what cinema-goers seem to want and it's proved by the box-office figures. Hide

I seem to replace everyone. I seem to replace everyone.

I've never received a nomination for an Academy Award - and that after I went to the trouble of lear Show more I've never received a nomination for an Academy Award - and that after I went to the trouble of learning two more facial expressions. Hide

I was as surprised as everyone else was to be cast as Bond, particularly since I was already forty-f Show more I was as surprised as everyone else was to be cast as Bond, particularly since I was already forty-five at the time. Hide

(on Die Another Day (2002)) I thought it just went too far - and that's from me, the first Bond in s Show more (on Die Another Day (2002)) I thought it just went too far - and that's from me, the first Bond in space! Invisible cars and dodgy CGI footage? Please! They gave the public what they wanted, though maybe they too realised there was only so far they could push it before Bond became a caricature of himself, and the funeral directors were called in. Hide

I have no idea. I had never met Ian Fleming, but I remember when the search for Bond was going on. I Show more I have no idea. I had never met Ian Fleming, but I remember when the search for Bond was going on. I really wasn't aware of Bond until then. I was doing The Saint (1962) and The Daily Express was conducting a search for Bond. However, since I was involved with The Saint (1962) I would not have been available, although Cubby told me later that I had been on 'the short list.' (when asked if Ian Fleming had originally considered him for the role of James Bond) Hide

I'm the worst Bond, according to the Internet. Generally hated! I was too funny, too light. Didn't t Show more I'm the worst Bond, according to the Internet. Generally hated! I was too funny, too light. Didn't take it seriously enough. Well, I mean, this is a man who is supposed to be a spy. And yet he turns up in bars and hotels around the world, and everyone says, "Ah, Mr. Bond, we've been expecting you." Everybody knows who he is and what he wants to drink. It's the same with the Bond girls. All the new ones say, "Oh, I'm going to be different from the others", but before long it's always the same - "Oh, James!". Hide

[on Daniel Craig playing James Bond]I think we're very lucky to have him because he is quite extraor Show more [on Daniel Craig playing James Bond]I think we're very lucky to have him because he is quite extraordinary. I always say that Sean Connery looked like a killer but Daniel Craig would finish it off. Hide

I like to play things for humour. Particularly as I was playing a hero because I consider myself to Show more I like to play things for humour. Particularly as I was playing a hero because I consider myself to be devoutly unheroic to the extent of being a sheer coward. I think any heroism I have is the fact that I did things physically that I was absolutely petrified of doing. Hide

(1998) Over the last year I've rather enjoyed making documentaries for a company called Associated T Show more (1998) Over the last year I've rather enjoyed making documentaries for a company called Associated Television, run by a man called David Mackenzie. And we shot a couple in Russia, one in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg... they are called "The KGB Files". Hide

[on why he took the role of James Bond] When I was a young actor at RADA, Noël Coward was in the au Show more [on why he took the role of James Bond] When I was a young actor at RADA, Noël Coward was in the audience one night. He said to me after the play, "Young man, with your devastating good looks and your disastrous lack of talent, you should take any job ever offered you. In the event that you're offered two jobs simultaneously, take the one that offers the most money." Here I am. Hide

I must tell you the truth - I have not seen them, and for a very good reason. Knowing that I would g Show more I must tell you the truth - I have not seen them, and for a very good reason. Knowing that I would get asked questions like that, I'm always desperately honest. If I didn't like the performance, I don't know how I would answer. I do know Timothy, and he is a very, very pleasant chap and a good actor. - When asked for his opinion about the James Bond movies featuring his successor Timothy Dalton Hide

I come back to England often enough not to miss it, to see the changes, to find some of the changes Show more I come back to England often enough not to miss it, to see the changes, to find some of the changes good. I paid my taxes at the time that I was earning a decent income, so I've already paid my due. Hide

Today I am completely opposed to small arms and what they can do to children. I played every role to Show more Today I am completely opposed to small arms and what they can do to children. I played every role tongue-in-cheek because I don't really believe in that sort of hero. I don't like guns. Hide

I am disappointed by what is happening today in television. We seem to have gone into an age of crue Show more I am disappointed by what is happening today in television. We seem to have gone into an age of cruelty where everything is put down. Even I notice dear Cilla Black has got a new format. Now they have 'ditch' - a poor girl comes up and if you don't like her face, get rid of her. I think it's absolutely terrible. It's appalling. It's humiliating. Hide

I like Bond. But it's silly to take it seriously. It's just a great big comic strip. I like Bond. But it's silly to take it seriously. It's just a great big comic strip.

A lot of my reading over the next few months will be the works of Hans Christian Andersen - I have b Show more A lot of my reading over the next few months will be the works of Hans Christian Andersen - I have been appointed an ambassador for the bicentenary celebrations of his birth next year. Hide

Sean (Sean Connery) is a good actor, it's a pity I can't understand what he's saying. Sean (Sean Connery) is a good actor, it's a pity I can't understand what he's saying.

But if asked which of my co-stars had the biggest effect and impact on me, I say - without hesitatio Show more But if asked which of my co-stars had the biggest effect and impact on me, I say - without hesitation - Eleanor Parker. Hide

I would love to be remembered as one of the greatest Lears or Hamlets. But, as that's not going to h Show more I would love to be remembered as one of the greatest Lears or Hamlets. But, as that's not going to happen, I'm quite happy I did Bond. Hide

[on finally deciding to leave the role of James Bond after seven 007 movies] I think it was the inte Show more [on finally deciding to leave the role of James Bond after seven 007 movies] I think it was the interminable farewell tour of the variety artists, you know? You can't keep on saying that you're not doing any more and then doing another one. So I just had to say that was it. I had done enough. I mean, for the last three I was getting a little restless. But I had an absolute splendid time doing the Bond films. I played a lot of backgammon, managed to steal a lot of wardrobe, and got well paid. Nothing could beat it! (Interview with author David Giammarco, "For Your Eyes Only: Behind the Scenes of the James Bond Films") Hide

I jokingly said once that the reason the banks were in trouble, particularly the Royal Bank of Scotl Show more I jokingly said once that the reason the banks were in trouble, particularly the Royal Bank of Scotland, was that Sean Connery had drawn out all his money in cash. Hide

I've often been asked what I might like my epitaph to be. Well that's easy. I've no intention of goi Show more I've often been asked what I might like my epitaph to be. Well that's easy. I've no intention of going anywhere so won't need one! Hide

[on his son who owns the London restaurant "Hush"] You could say he has a "License to Grill". [on his son who owns the London restaurant "Hush"] You could say he has a "License to Grill".

I suppose I was just window-dressing at MGM. You might call me Taylor's dummy. I wore Walter Plunket Show more I suppose I was just window-dressing at MGM. You might call me Taylor's dummy. I wore Walter Plunkett's costumes beautifully though. I was the last of the Englishmen, after Edmund Purdom and Stewart Granger, both of whom had been giving them trouble in Hollywood. I very quickly learned that I had to be highly humble and obsequious and grovel a lot. Hide

A lot of actors didn't make their start until in their prime - I remember Buster Merryfield - who pl Show more A lot of actors didn't make their start until in their prime - I remember Buster Merryfield - who played Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses.... (1981) - saying that it wasn't until he retired as a bank clerk that he got involved with amateur dramatics, and then acting on television. Hide

[on his battle with pneumonia] It took them quite a while to discover the right antibiotic. I had so Show more [on his battle with pneumonia] It took them quite a while to discover the right antibiotic. I had so many antibiotics pumped into me and was bed-bound, and it ended up I had to be taught to walk, literally. And also my hair started to fall out rapidly, which it has done ever since. Hide

(on David Cameron) I think he's doing absolutely wonderfully well, despite the opposition from many Show more (on David Cameron) I think he's doing absolutely wonderfully well, despite the opposition from many members of his own party. Traitors, I call them. I mean any hardliner within the Conservative Party who speaks out against their leader. You should support your leader. Hide

Lew (Lew Grade) was quite simply a gem. When he was at the height of his powers his energy was enorm Show more Lew (Lew Grade) was quite simply a gem. When he was at the height of his powers his energy was enormous. He would get off a plane without any jet lag and just go straight to work. His health regime consisted of never having butter and smoking cigars all day long. Hide

[on seeing Daniel Craig in Casino Royale (2006)]I thought that he did more action in the first seven Show more [on seeing Daniel Craig in Casino Royale (2006)]I thought that he did more action in the first seven minutes than I did in seven movies! Hide

Of course, I was getting long in the tooth. I was 58 when I finished. My god, Gary Cooper was seemin Show more Of course, I was getting long in the tooth. I was 58 when I finished. My god, Gary Cooper was seemingly an old man when he was about 56 doing Love in the Afternoon (1957) with Audrey Hepburn. And I started to realize. When the leading ladies came in and they were younger than my daughter, I thought "Hmm, this is getting on a bit." And then... God, I could have had them as granddaughters. It becomes rather disgusting - dirty old man. Well, I still got paid, and had a lot of laughs. I didn't regret any of it. I note that occasionally when I look at the Internet and I've typed in a reference and then suddenly up comes my name again and then I see the blogs where people write that I was too light and I was too old. Hide

I was pretty - so pretty that actresses didn't want to work with me. I was pretty - so pretty that actresses didn't want to work with me.

(Asked what would make him return to the United Kingdom) Being able to afford a house in the country Show more (Asked what would make him return to the United Kingdom) Being able to afford a house in the country. I would come back like a shot. Hide

[after witnessing the poverty in foreign countries] I can never leave the tap running while cleaning Show more [after witnessing the poverty in foreign countries] I can never leave the tap running while cleaning my teeth. Hide

[on For Your Eyes Only (1981)] I was starting to feel I was a bit long in the tooth even then. [on For Your Eyes Only (1981)] I was starting to feel I was a bit long in the tooth even then.

[his explanation for his comical approach to James Bond] I don't believe in Bond as a hero. It's a l Show more [his explanation for his comical approach to James Bond] I don't believe in Bond as a hero. It's a load of nonsense. How can you be a spy when any bar you walk into, the bartender says, "Ah, Mr Bond. Shaken, not stirred?". Hide

Bond is an enigmatic character. My only real clue to his personality was a line from one of the book Show more Bond is an enigmatic character. My only real clue to his personality was a line from one of the books, where he said that he didn't particularly enjoy killing people, but he took pride in doing it well. So that was how I played him. Hide

Bond was escapism, but not meant to be imitated in real life. Bond was escapism, but not meant to be imitated in real life.

Food has always been a passion of mine - see the waistline for proof. Food has always been a passion of mine - see the waistline for proof.

(on the Russian population of Monaco) I'm afraid we're overstuffed with Russians. All the restaurant Show more (on the Russian population of Monaco) I'm afraid we're overstuffed with Russians. All the restaurant menus are in Russian now. Hide

Roger Moore's FILMOGRAPHY - Page 2

as Actor (136)

Gold of the Seven Saints

The Carer

Moonraker (James Bond 007)

Car SOS - Season 7

The Muppet Show - Season 5

The Saint (2017)

Alias - Season 3

Alfred Hitchcock Presents - Season 5

Alias - Season 5

Car SOS - Season 6