ZURICH, Switzerland (CelebrityAccess) — Roger Moore, a British actor who was best known for his long tenure as super spy James Bond, died on Tuesday in Switzerland. He was 89.
According to the New York Times, Moore's family attributed the actor's death to cancer.
Moore, who was the oldest James Bond to fill the spy's high-tech shoes, took over the role from Sean Connery in 1973 with “Live and Let Die” and held onto the role until making way for Timothy Dalton.
Moore, with his refined enunciation and social grace, brought a sense of the British upper class to the role, which had previously been defined by the roguish charm of Scot Sean Connery.
In addition to his stint as Bond, Moore also portrayed the gentleman thief on the popular television series "The Saint" which ran in syndication in America and eventually made the jump to prime time on NBC for two years. As well, Moore starred opposite Tony Curtis as playboy sleuths in The Persuaders.
Moore's other film credits include The Wild Geese (1978) Spice World (1997), The Quest, The Quest (1996), The Cannonball Run (1981), and The Sea Wolves (1908).
According to the New York Times, Moore was married 4 times, most recently to the Swedish-born Kristina Tholstrup who he married in 2002 and who survives him. He is also survived by his sons, Geoffrey and Christian; a daughter, Deborah; and grandchildren. – Staff Writers
