Since 1962 EON productions has been cranking out James Bond films, loosely based on the literary works of Ian Fleming and today over 55 years after the first James Bond film was made, one of the leading men has passed away. Roger Moore, who played the spy in seven films from 1973’s Live And Let Die, to 1985’s A View to Kill, passed away due to cancer today according to his family (although he had been in poor health for several years). Moore holds the distinction of being the oldest Bond (starting the role in his mid forties and retiring just south of sixty) as well as being tied with Sean Connery for the most official appearances as the character. He was not dapper as Sean Connery or Pierce Bronson in the role, nor was he as steely as Daniel Craig is today but his witty quips, and deployment of zany gadgets and gizmos from Q to escape trouble added an underappreciated lighter side to the character that any diehard fan of the franchise ought to try and watch. Moore also made fun of his role of Bond on occasion, such as in the 1981 comedy the Cannonball Run where his deluded character has the Bond classic ejector seat equipped into his vehicle.
Beyond Bond films and references however, Mr. Moore was no slouch appearing in the 1960s television show The Saint which was based off of novels by Leslie Charteris. Moore was in Switzerland when he passed away, living abroad for much of his post-James Bond life due to tax issues with the United Kingdom. Moore is survived by three children, daughter Deborah, and sons Geoffrey and Christian and his fourth wife Kristina Tholstrup. Mr. Moore may be gone but his role as James Bond, will ensure he lives eternal so long as cinema is made.
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
