Roger Moore – Cause of Death, Movies, and Life Story
Sir Roger Moore was an English actor who became one of the most recognisable faces in cinema history through his portrayal of James Bond. Over seven films between 1973 and 1985, he brought a lighter, more humorous touch to the iconic secret agent. Moore died on 23 May 2017 in Switzerland at the age of 89, following a short battle with cancer. He was married four times and had three children.
Moore’s career spanned more than six decades, beginning in the late 1940s as a film extra and rising to international stardom first on television with The Saint and then on the big screen as 007. Off-screen, he dedicated much of his later life to humanitarian work, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He was knighted in 2003.
What Was Roger Moore’s Cause of Death?
Key Insights
- Roger Moore is the longest-serving James Bond actor by number of films (seven).
- He was knighted in 2003 for services to charity and film.
- Moore had four marriages and three children; his longest marriage was to Luisa Mattioli (1969–1996).
- His cause of death was a short battle with cancer, confirmed by his family.
- Moore was the first Bond actor to be knighted.
- He holds the Eon-series record for most Bond films played by one actor.
Roger Moore at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sir Roger George Moore |
| Birth date | 14 October 1927 |
| Death date | 23 May 2017 |
| Age at death | 89 |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse(s) | Doorn van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, Luisa Mattioli, Kristina “Kiki” Tholstrup |
| Children | Deborah Moore, Geoffrey Moore, Christian Moore |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Notable films | Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Saint (TV) |
Moore’s family announced his death on 23 May 2017, stating he had died after a short battle with cancer. The announcement did not specify the type of cancer. He passed away in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where he had lived for many years.
Who Was Roger Moore Married To?
Roger Moore married four times. His first two marriages, to Doorn van Steyn and Dorothy Squires, ended in divorce. His longest union was with Italian actress Luisa Mattioli, with whom he had three children. After their divorce, he married Danish-born Kristina “Kiki” Tholstrup in 2002; they remained together until his death.
Roger Moore’s Wives
Moore’s first marriage was to Doorn van Steyn in 1946. The couple divorced after a few years. He then married Welsh singer Dorothy Squires in the early 1950s; that marriage also ended in divorce.
In 1969 Moore married Luisa Mattioli, an Italian actress he had met on the set of The Saint. They had three children: Deborah (born 1960), Geoffrey (born 1961), and Christian (born 1962). The marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
In 2002 Moore married Kristina “Kiki” Tholstrup, a Danish-born socialite. They lived together in Switzerland and Monte Carlo until his death. No grandchildren have been publicly reported in the available sources.
How Many Children Did Roger Moore Have?
Roger Moore had three children, all with his third wife Luisa Mattioli. Their names are Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. The children were born before the couple officially married in 1969. Moore was known to be a devoted father.
What Movies Did Roger Moore Star In?
James Bond Films
Moore portrayed James Bond in seven official Eon Productions films: Live and Let Die (1973), 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 the third actor to play the role on film and, for many years, the longest-serving Bond actor.
Moore holds the record for the most James Bond films played by a single actor in the official Eon series – seven. This record remained unbroken for decades and still stands as of 2025.
Early Career and Television Roles
Moore began acting in the late 1940s as an extra. After signing an MGM contract in the 1950s, he appeared in films such as Interrupted Melody (1955), The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954), and Diane (1956). On television, he starred in series including Ivanhoe, The Alaskans, and Maverick.
His first major breakthrough came in 1962 when he was cast as Simon Templar in the television series The Saint, which ran until 1969 and made him a household name internationally.
Other Notable Films
Beyond Bond, Moore appeared in a number of other popular films, including The Cannonball Run (1981), a comedic ensemble movie. He also starred in Escape to Athena (1979) and The Wild Geese (1978). Awards for acting were limited, but his contribution to entertainment and charity was recognised with a knighthood.
How Tall Was Roger Moore and What Was His Net Worth?
Roger Moore’s Height
Multiple sources, including MI6-HQ, report Roger Moore’s height as 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m). This measurement is consistently cited across reputable fan sites and biographical references.
Net Worth
A reliable, source-backed figure for Roger Moore’s net worth is not available in the provided research materials. While some unconfirmed estimates place it in the range of $50 million to $110 million, no official or verifiable documentation supports these numbers. Moore owned homes in Switzerland and Monte Carlo and earned substantial income from his Bond films and later charity work. The lack of a verified figure is noted by sources such as the BBC and IMDb.
Net worth estimates for Roger Moore vary widely and are not officially confirmed. No credible financial disclosure has been published. Treat reported figures with caution.
Roger Moore: Life and Career Timeline
- – Born in Stockwell, London.
- – Served in the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II.
- – Began acting in TV series like Ivanhoe.
- – Starred as Simon Templar in The Saint.
- – First Bond film: Live and Let Die.
- – Last Bond film: A View to a Kill.
- – Became UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
- – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
- – Died in Switzerland from cancer.
What Is Confirmed About Roger Moore’s Life and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: short battle with cancer (family announcement). | Net worth – estimates vary widely; no official figure. |
| He married four times. | Details of his first marriage to Doorn van Steyn are sparse and sometimes contradictory. |
| He starred in seven official James Bond films. | Exact birth time (minor discrepancy, no impact on facts). |
| Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m) – multiple reputable sources. | – |
What Was the Cultural Context of Roger Moore’s Career?
Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond marked a tonal shift from Sean Connery’s more serious interpretation to a lighter, more humorous style that resonated with 1970s audiences. Films like The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker were commercial successes that leaned into campy adventure and gadgetry.
After retiring from Bond, Moore dedicated himself to UNICEF, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador and later a special ambassador. This humanitarian work significantly shaped his public image. He was the first actor to play James Bond to be knighted, receiving the honour in 2003 for his services to charity and film. For a comparison of another Hollywood icon’s life story, read the James Stewart – Hollywood Icon and War Hero’s Full Biography.
What Are the Key Sources for Roger Moore’s Biography?
The factual backbone of this article relies on several authoritative references. The Wikipedia page for Roger Moore provides a comprehensive, citation-rich overview. The BBC’s obituary and The Guardian’s obituary offer detailed career retrospectives. Further biographical details come from IMDb and People magazine. UNICEF also published a tribute to his humanitarian legacy.
“I think the secret of success is to be yourself. Unless you can be Batman.” – Roger Moore (paraphrased, widely attributed).
“He will be greatly missed.” – Statement from Moore’s family on his death.
What Is the Lasting Legacy of Roger Moore?
Roger Moore will be remembered as a defining James Bond who brought wit and charm to the role across seven films. His record of most Bond movies played by one actor remains unmatched among Eon productions. Beyond cinema, his humanitarian work with UNICEF solidified his reputation as a generous public figure. For more on the life of another beloved actor, see Val Kilmer – Cause of Death, Movies and Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roger Moore
Did Roger Moore serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the British Army’s Royal Army Service Corps in 1945, near the end of World War II.
What was Roger Moore’s first acting role?
His first screen work was as an extra in films during the late 1940s. His first credited role came in the 1950s under an MGM contract.
How many James Bond movies did Roger Moore make?
He made seven official Bond films for Eon Productions, from Live and Let Die (1973) to A View to a Kill (1985).
Did Roger Moore have any siblings?
Available sources do not mention any siblings. He was the only child of George Alfred Moore and Lillian Pope.
Where is Roger Moore buried?
His ashes were placed in a cemetery in Monaco, near his home, according to reports. The exact location is not publicly marked.
Did Roger Moore win any acting awards?
He received a Golden Globe nomination for The Saint and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was knighted for charitable services, not for acting awards.
What was Roger Moore’s first Bond film?
His first James Bond film was Live and Let Die, released in 1973.
How old was Roger Moore when he played Bond for the last time?
He was 57 years old when he filmed A View to a Kill in 1985.
Was Roger Moore related to any other actor?
No known actor relations. His son Geoffrey Moore briefly acted but did not achieve major fame.
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