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Entertainment • Actor

Roger Moore

Roger Moore was an English actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films from 1973 to 1985.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roger Moore was an English actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films from 1973 to 1985. He also gained wide recognition for television roles in *The Saint* and *The Persuaders!*, and later worked as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. His James Bond films were widely distributed in Canada and remain familiar to Canadian audiences.

Early life and career

Roger Moore was born in Stockwell, London, and studied at RADA before starting his screen career in small film roles. He later worked in Hollywood and on British television before becoming a major star.

Breakthrough with television

Moore’s first major success came with the title role in *The Saint*, which made him internationally famous. He later starred in *The Persuaders!* and built a reputation for suave, light-comic leading roles.

James Bond films

Moore took over as James Bond in *Live and Let Die* (1973) and played the character in seven films through *A View to a Kill* (1985). He is the longest-serving actor in the Eon Bond series and one of the most frequent portrayers of the role.

Later life and honours

After his film career, Moore became known for humanitarian work, especially with UNICEF. He received a CBE in 1999 and was knighted in 2003.

Key facts

  • Moore played James Bond in seven Eon Productions films, more than any other actor in the role.
  • He became widely known on television as Simon Templar in *The Saint* (1962–1969).
  • He was born in London in 1927 and died in Switzerland in 2017.
  • Before his breakthrough, he studied at RADA and began his screen career with small film roles.
  • He later served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and was knighted for his charitable work.
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Canadian context

Roger Moore was a major international film and television star whose James Bond films were widely distributed in Canada and remain familiar to Canadian audiences through cinema and television broadcasts.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Roger Moore?
Roger Moore was an English actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films and for starring in *The Saint* on television.
How many James Bond films did he appear in?
He appeared in seven Eon Productions James Bond films.
What was Roger Moore’s birth name?
His birth name was Roger George Moore.
When was Roger Moore born and when did he die?
He was born on 14 October 1927 and died on 23 May 2017.
What television role made him famous before Bond?
He became widely known as Simon Templar in *The Saint*.
Did Roger Moore do humanitarian work?
Yes. He was a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and received honours including a CBE and a knighthood.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Moore
    Supports: Seven Bond films; final Bond film; long-serving Bond actor
  2. BFI Screenonline — http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/550454/index.html
    Supports: RADA studies; early career; The Saint; Bond role
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-15536118
    Supports: Birth, death, obituary details, Bond reputation
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/05/europe/roger-moore-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name, dates, Bond films, UNICEF role, memoirs
  5. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/23/roger-moore-saint-persuader-and-the-suavest-james-bond-dies-aged-89
    Supports: Death, career overview, UNICEF work, honours
  6. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/roger-moore/
    Supports: Occupation, Bond films, The Saint