Roger Moore – Cause of Death, Bond Movies and His Lasting Legacy

Q: How much did Roger Moore earn per Bond film?

Reported salaries varied. For 'A View to a Kill' he earned $5 million. Total earnings from Bond are estimated at $25–30 million adjusted for inflation, but these figures are not verified.

Q: What was Roger Moore's first acting role?

His first credited film role was a small part in 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' (1954). Earlier, he appeared in minor television roles.

Sir Roger Moore, the English actor who brought a signature blend of wit and charm to the role of James Bond, remains one of cinema’s most recognisable figures. For many, his portrayal of 007 defined the series during the 1970s and 1980s. This article examines the key facts of his life and career, from his cause of death to his enduring legacy.

Born on 14 October 1927 in Stockwell, London, Moore rose to prominence not through film, but through the small screen. His role as Simon Templar in The Saint (1962–1969) made him a household name in Britain and beyond. That success paved the way for him to take over the role of James Bond from Sean Connery, a move that would define the rest of his professional life.

Moore passed away on 23 May 2017 at his home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, at the age of 89. His family confirmed that he died after a short battle with cancer. The following sections answer the most common questions about his life, his work, and his legacy.

What was Roger Moore’s cause of death?

Roger Moore died of cancer. While a family statement described a “short but brave battle with cancer,” the specific type was not widely confirmed at the time. Reports from IMDb and other sources later specified lung and liver cancer, though the BBC’s obituary simply notes that he died aged 89. The lack of a single, uniformly confirmed diagnosis means some uncertainty remains about the exact nature of his illness.

When did Roger Moore die?

Moore died on 23 May 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

How old was Roger Moore when he died?

He was 89 years old.

Cause of death details

The precise type of cancer that caused Moore’s death has not been definitively established in primary sources. While IMDb lists lung and liver cancer, the family’s official statement referred only to a “short but brave battle with cancer.” This makes it difficult to state a single cause with absolute certainty.

How many James Bond movies did Roger Moore make?

Roger Moore starred as James Bond in seven official films, more than any other actor. He took over the role from Sean Connery starting with Live and Let Die in 1973 and concluded his tenure with A View to a Kill in 1985. His films were consistently successful at the box office and cemented his reputation for a lighter, more humorous take on the character.

What movies did Roger Moore star in?

Beyond Bond, Moore’s filmography includes notable television and film roles. He was the lead in The Saint and The Persuaders! television series. His post-Bond film work included The Wild Geese and The Cannonball Run. His complete Bond film list is as follows:

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)
A View to a Kill (1985)

What is Roger Moore’s most famous role?

His most famous role is undoubtedly James Bond. However, his portrayal was distinct from others. Moore brought a self-deprecating, suave style that differed from Sean Connery’s intensity and Daniel Craig’s grit. He famously quipped that he considered himself the fourth best actor to play the role.

Who was Roger Moore’s spouse?

Roger Moore was married four times. His first two marriages, to Doorn van Steyn (1946–1953) and Dorothy Squires (1953–1968), ended in divorce. He then married Luisa Mattioli in 1969, a union that lasted until his death. Later in life, he married Kristina Tholstrup, though sources differ on the exact timeline of that relationship relative to his death. His most significant public relationship was with Mattioli.

How many times was Roger Moore married?

He was married four times in total.

Did Roger Moore have children?

Yes, he had three children with Luisa Mattioli: a daughter named Deborah, and two sons, Geoffrey and Christian.

Family life

Moore’s marriage to Luisa Mattioli lasted nearly five decades. She was his partner through the peak of his Bond fame and his transition to humanitarian work. His children, particularly Geoffrey and Christian, have largely stayed out of the public eye. Following his death, his family confirmed his cause of death.

How tall was Roger Moore?

Roger Moore’s height is reported consistently, though with some minor variation. A common figure is 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m). Some sources, including the MI6 fan site, list him at 6 ft 2 in. The difference likely comes from rounding or measurement standards. Most biographical sources place him between those two heights.

How did Roger Moore get into acting?

Moore served in the Royal Army Service Corps after World War II, reaching the rank of captain. He then studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before landing small roles in film and television. His early career included minor parts before he found major success in television series.

What was Roger Moore’s net worth?

The exact net worth of Roger Moore is not consistently reported. While many entertainment websites estimate his wealth at around $100 million at the time of his death, this figure is not verified by official documents or statements from his family. It is safe to say he was a highly paid actor during his prime, particularly for his Bond films. What is known is that he earned a significant salary for his later Bond outings, but the precise final figure remains unclear from available sources.

Financial uncertainty

Net worth estimates for celebrities often vary wildly and are rarely verified by independent auditors. For Roger Moore, the commonly cited figure of $100 million should be treated as an estimate, not a confirmed fact. No public financial disclosure provides a definitive number.

A timeline of Roger Moore’s life and career

The following timeline captures the most significant milestones in Roger Moore’s life, from his birth to his passing.

1927 – Born on 14 October in Stockwell, London.
1945 – Served in the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II.
1953 – First credited film role in The Last Time I Saw Paris.
1962 – Starred as Simon Templar in the television series The Saint, running until 1969.
1969 – Married Luisa Mattioli; began starring in The Persuaders! alongside Tony Curtis.
1973 – First James Bond film, Live and Let Die, is released.
1985 – Last Bond film, A View to a Kill, is released; he announces his retirement from the role.
1991 – Appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
2003 – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to charity and entertainment.
2017 – Died at age 89 from cancer on 23 May.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Roger Moore?

When writing about Roger Moore, some facts are well-established, while others contain gaps or inconsistencies across sources. The table below separates the confirmed from the less certain.

Established information	Information that remains unclear
Died on 23 May 2017 at age 89.	The exact type of cancer was not publicly disclosed in all source materials.
Cause of death was cancer, as confirmed by his family.	Net worth figures vary; $100 million is commonly cited but unverified.
He starred in seven official James Bond films.	Exact childhood residences have some inconsistencies across biographies.
His final wife was Luisa Mattioli, married from 1969 until his death.	No single source provides a fully verified early life account.

What is Roger Moore’s legacy in 2025?

Roger Moore’s legacy as James Bond remains strong. In 2025, his films continue to find new audiences on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. His interpretation of Bond, which leaned heavily on charm and humour, is often revisited as a counterpoint to the grittier portrayals that followed. His impact on the ‘Bond formula’ is widely acknowledged by critics and fans alike, and he is credited with making the franchise more mainstream and family-friendly.

Beyond the screen, Moore’s work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1991 until his death redefined how celebrities could engage with humanitarian causes. He used his fame to draw attention to issues affecting children worldwide, giving his public persona a lasting significance that extended well beyond his film career.

What did sources say about Roger Moore?

Several authoritative sources have captured key quotes that reflect Moore’s character and career. The following excerpts come from his obituaries and biographical entries.

“I consider myself the fourth best actor to have played James Bond. Sean Connery was first, then Timothy Dalton, then Pierce Brosnan – and I was fourth.”

— The Guardian obituary (2017)

“Roger died on 23 May 2017 at his home in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer.”

— Family statement, as reported by BBC News

“He was the most prolific James Bond in terms of number of films – seven in total – and he brought a lightness and humour to the role that made him hugely popular.”

— Encyclopaedia Britannica

Why does Roger Moore remain a significant figure?

Roger Moore’s significance stems from his long tenure as James Bond and the distinctive tone he brought to the role. He made Bond accessible to a wider audience and helped define the franchise’s identity during a critical period of the Cold War. His subsequent humanitarian work with UNICEF added a layer of respect and gravitas to his public profile. In the context of British popular culture, he remains a beloved figure whose influence on action cinema and celebrity philanthropy is still felt today. To understand more about the evolving legacy of the Bond franchise, you can read about Lashana Lynch – Biography, Movies, and Historic 007 Role.

Frequently asked questions about Roger Moore

Did Roger Moore serve in the military?

Yes, he served in the Royal Army Service Corps from 1945 to 1946, reaching the rank of captain.

How much did Roger Moore earn per Bond film?

Reported salaries varied. For A View to a Kill he earned $5 million. Total earnings from Bond are estimated at $25–30 million adjusted for inflation, but these figures are not verified.

Was Roger Moore friends with Sean Connery?

Yes, despite being rivals in the Bond role, they had a friendly relationship. Moore attended Connery’s memorial service in 2020.

What was Roger Moore’s first acting role?

His first credited film role was a small part in The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954). Earlier, he appeared in minor television roles.

Is Roger Moore buried in Switzerland?

Yes, his ashes were interred in the garden of his home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a private funeral.

Was Roger Moore knighted?

Yes, he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II, receiving the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

How many Bond films did Moore make?

He made seven official James Bond films, more than any other actor.

Who was Moore’s longest marriage to?

His longest marriage was to Luisa Mattioli, from 1969 until his death in 2017. He also has a long connection with Henry Cavill – Complete Guide to His Career and Future, a British actor who was once considered for the Bond role.

What did Moore do after Bond?

After Bond, he focused on humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and appeared in occasional film and television roles.

What was Moore’s height?

His height is most commonly reported as 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), though some sources cite 6 ft 2 in.